Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor Talks About Search For Next Police Chief

The search for Tulsa's next police chief continues. Mayor Kathy Taylor says she's still getting input from residents about what they would like to see from the city's top cop. <br/><br/>6

Monday, December 11th 2006, 6:08 am

By: News On 6

The search for Tulsa's next police chief continues. Mayor Kathy Taylor says she's still getting input from residents about what they would like to see from the city's top cop.

6 in the Morning reporter Carina Sonn sat down with Mayor Taylor.

Last week, about 100 people voiced their opinions during four public meetings and the Mayor says she's still sifting though e-mails and receiving calls. Mayor Taylor says "community policing" and "culturally sensitive" were two concerns that came up in all four meetings.

The Mayor says she'll first look internally for a qualified candidate. If she can't find one that fits, she'll advertise the position externally.

Carina Sonn talked with Kathy Taylor about the job and she says the next police chief will face a different environment than current Chief Dave Been did when he took the job four years ago. "The next police chief will be faced with making sure our downtown is safe. River development. That's another public safety issue. We're starting to see our population increase and become much more diverse."

Mayor Taylor says the job will be posted within the next couple of weeks.

A new police chief will be in place no later than May 1st.