Tulsa black officers' association responds to mayor's proposal

The black officer's coalition responded Friday to Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune's proposal to settle a racial discrimination lawsuit against the city of Tulsa. <br><br>Thursday, the mayor announced

Friday, November 1st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The black officer's coalition responded Friday to Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune's proposal to settle a racial discrimination lawsuit against the city of Tulsa.

Thursday, the mayor announced his plan to end the lawsuit. It called for Tulsa Police to seek accreditation with a national law enforcement commission. It also establishes a dispute avoidance and resolution committee.

The proposal limits the data collection the plaintiffâ€™s had asked for and it clearly states that the settlement doesn't mean the city or police department admits wrongdoing. But Friday, the black officer's coalition says there are several "poison pills" in the settlement. Attorney Louis Bullock, "You never know whether those are barriers until you sit down and talk face to face, time calls for that is what we'll do. I think quickly we will know if they mayor's effort is indeed to solve the case or whether it's political posture."

Bullock says they will not delay the court proceedings if an agreement is not reached. The case goes to court January 21st.