New Police Chief On The Job At TPS

Tulsa Public Schools' first police chief is on the job.   The district hired Gary Rudick to be the first person to fill the position.  He began his duties on Monday.

The new chief acknowledges the position isn't what any district should be spending money on.

"I don't think anybody feels good about the fact that we're gonna have to spent a lot of money to protect kids when that money should be going for teacher salaries and books and equipment," said TPS Police Chief Gary Rudick.

A federal grant is paying for the new school police department.

Rudick spent 24 years as a Tulsa Police officer before serving as chief for the Durant Police Department.