The search for a new police chief

TULSA, OK – The search for a new Chief of the Tulsa Police Department is now underway, and in addition to several town hall meetings scheduled this week by Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum to obtain public input into the process, representatives of the mayor’s office are also expected to attend a special meeting with leaders from Tulsa’s Hispanic community.

La Semana has learned ahead of this meeting what some who plan to attend feel are among the qualifications a new chief should have. The Coalition for the American Dream (ADC), is a nonprofit immigrant advocacy organization that shared its ideas in this matter.

One of the most important attributes for a new chief, in the view of the ADC, is a dedication to true community policing, which the group describes as follows:

“Fully implementing community policing requires that each officer be assigned to a beat for a long enough period of time to build relationships with the community on the beat and work with them to solve problems,” the ADC stated. “Officers should regularly attend community events in a friendly manner to engage with residents of that area.”

The group believes Tulsa’s new chief, whether selected from within the ranks of the TPD or from an outside department, should have “a proven record of community engagement and problem solving, as well as the ability both to lead the department and to command the confidence of local residents.”

The ADC said that regardless of whether a woman or minority is chosen to head up the TPD, greater diversity is needed throughout the force. The group recommends a more aggressive recruitment of bilingual officers and cadet candidates.

“Having a force that reflects the overall community demographics should be a key goal,” the ADC stated.

The group feels it would also be beneficial for the department to hold periodic cultural awareness training for all officers, and for the new chief to actively support this.

“This would help bridge cultural gaps not just among the TPD and Tulsa’s Hispanic community, but with other minority groups as well, including African Americans, Asian Americans, etc.”

The ADC said the ideal chief would also embrace the creation of a civilian oversight committee. (La Semana)