Tulsa police union to challenge discrimination lawsuit

The union representing Tulsa Police officers says it will fight the settlement of a lawsuit against the department. <br><br>The lawsuit was brought by black officers who accused the Tulsa Police Department

Monday, April 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The union representing Tulsa Police officers says it will fight the settlement of a lawsuit against the department.

The lawsuit was brought by black officers who accused the Tulsa Police Department of racism. News on Six reporter Emory Bryan says the lawsuit filed against the department in 1994 was settled a week ago in the final hours of former mayor Savage's administration.

The timing of the settlement has the Fraternal Order of Police upset - but it's what's in the document that has them planning to fight it in court. The agreement calls for the department to make all hires and promotions without regard to race, not retaliate against those who make complaints, ensure black officers get backup in the field, eliminate racial profiling, and gather racial statistics on police work. The union objects to the demands, saying it validates claims that aren't true.

Tulsa Police officer and member of the FOP, Sgt Wayne Allen, "after reading the consent decree with the black officers coalition, I feel betrayed. As a 30 year employee of the Tulsa Police Department, I believe I have been charged with blatant racism. I feel a trial was held on my behalf and I was convicted."

The union plans to go to court this Wednesday to express its objections. They're not sure exactly what they'll have to do to stop the agreement, but they say they're committed to it, regardless of how much it costs, or how long it takes.