Jenks, Bixby, Glenpool Police Departments Table Proposed Consolidation

In an effort to save money, Jenks, Bixby and Glenpool were looking to join forces with the Tulsa County Sheriff&#39;s Office. The idea has not gained any traction. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=12168388" target="_blank">Could Jenks, Bixby And Glenpool Officers Become Sheriff&#39;s Deputies?</a>

Monday, April 5th 2010, 10:26 pm

By: News On 6


By Chris Wright, The News On 6

JENKS, OK -- Several suburbs that had been considering getting rid of their police departments are backing off from the idea. 

In an effort to save money, Jenks, Bixby and Glenpool were looking to join forces with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

3/18/2010 Related story;Could Jenks, Bixby And Glenpool Officers Become Sheriff's Deputies?

The idea has not gained any traction. All three cities have decided to table the proposed consolidation for now.

But some officers remain worried about their job security.

"We rallied the citizens and we believe the citizens have spoke very loud and clear that they want their local police departments to stay local," said Sgt. Jason Jackson, Jenks Fraternal Order of Police President.

Jenks police cars will remain parked outside of city hall for at least another year. The city council approved a new contract with the city's Fraternal Order of Police.

"This is where we're from, and this community means something to us. We don't want to see people's lives put in jeopardy needlessly," said Jackson.

Battling budget problems, Jenks, Bixby and Glenpool in March proposed contracting police services to the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. The roughly 60 officers would be given an opportunity to apply for jobs with the county. The idea didn't sit well with many residents. 

Sporting t-shirts displaying their support, they showed up to the council meeting to make sure the contract was approved.

"We really don't need anyone else. I don't know why or how this came up, but the majority of citizens I think in Jenks are not for it," said Barbara Arnold, a Jenks resident. 

They'll get their wish for now. But officers remain wary, and worry the idea may be brought up again if the economy fails to rebound.

"We believe the citizens have spoke and said, ‘we don't want this now or ever,'" said Jackson.

Glenpool city leaders also approved a new contract for its police department Monday night. 

Bixby's city manager says he is no longer pursuing contracting with the county.

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