Public Meeting Held In Tulsa Police Chief Search

Tuesday, December 5th 2006, 2:46 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor wants the publics input in her search for a new police chief. Four meetings were held all over the city, News on 6 anchor Omar Villafranca says those who showed up told city leaders what they want and don't want from their next chief of police.

Dozens of residents showed up at Booker T. Washington's auditorium to have their opinions taken into consideration.

Tulsa's current Chief of Police, Dave Been, will retire next year. Mayor Taylor wants to know what characteristics Tulsa residents are looking for in their next chief. Some of the suggestions range from having diversity training, to keeping tourists safe.

Esther Ogans of Tulsa says it boils down to integrity.

â€œIf he has unquestionable integrity, then the rest of it will fall into place, because a person with integrity isn't going to be prejudice, he's not going to break the law and he's going to make sure that the people that work for him do what is right,â€ Ogans said.

Anthony Crawford showed up to the forum to suggest that the best candidate for chief might not be a current officer.

"We've had individuals in positions for 20 to 25 years. And I don't think they have the same type of pulse of the Tulsa we're trying to get to versus the one we have right now. So it's very important that they seriously consider candidates outside of the city of Tulsa, or maybe even the state itself," said Crawford.

Participants in the forum just hope their opinions are heard when it comes time to choose the city's next top cop.

If you couldn't make it to one of the meetings you can still voice your opinion by emailing Mayor Taylor at mayor@cityoftulsa.org, or you can call the Mayorâ€™s action line.