Tulsa's FOP says options still open over civil rights lawsuit settlement

Thursday, April 18th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

There was standing room only Wednesday night as Tulsa Police officers met to discuss a settlement in a civil rights lawsuit. More than 200 members of the Fraternal Order of Police met to discuss the controversial settlement.

Mayor Bill Lafortune spoke with officers for the first time since he signed the decree. FOP members say the settlement will drastically change things for the department.

For now, they're looking at all of their options. Tulsa Police officer Jeff Cash: "our officers are becoming unified in this thing, this is going to be a struggle for us, it's going to fundamentally we think change the way we do business and right now there is more unknown than known."

Mayor LaFortune: "I asked them tonight to outline their objections and I'm going to review those objections and if appropriate take further action."

The FOP is considering suing the city over the settlement. That would require tripling monthly dues to cover legal expenses.