Meetings Help Mayor Pick New Chief

By Staff Report    
Wednesday, 29 November 2006
Four public town hall meetings have been scheduled by Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor for the evening of Dec. 5, to receive comments from Tulsa citizens regarding the selection of a new police chief to replace Chief Dave Been, who is retiring.

Through these meetings, the mayor will initiate a community engagement process to seek input on issues and challenges facing the Tulsa Police Department.  It is hoped the meetings will also define the characteristics and qualities which Tulsans see as priorities in recruiting a new police chief.

“Every citizen of Tulsa has a vested interest in who leads our police department,” said Taylor.  “I want to provide them with opportunities to have their voices heard and give input that will be helpful in the selection process.

The four meetings, in different areas of the city, will be held at the following locations and times:

·   Booker T. Washington H.S. auditorium, 1514 E. Zion, 5:30-7 p.m.
·   Webster H.S. auditorium, 1919 W. 40th St., 5:30-7 p.m.
·   East Central H.S. auditorium, 12150 E. 11th St., 7-8:30 p.m.
·   Union H.S. Performing Arts Center, 6636 S. Mingo Rd., 7-8:30 p.m.

In addition to the meetings, citizens can send feedback to the mayor via postal mail and e-mail.  The e-mail address is mayor@cityoftulsa.org  The mailing address for comments is Mayor Kathy Taylor, 200 Civic Center, 11th Floor, Tulsa, OK 74103.  Citizens may also call the Mayor's Action Center at 596-2100 and leave comments.

At the mayor’s request, Chief Been will assist in the community engagement process.  Qualified candidates from within the Tulsa Police Department will be given the first opportunity to apply.  The timeline for the process includes a period for citizen input, development of a comprehensive job description, and the mayor’s interviews with top candidates.

“Since I took office, my team and I have worked in partnership with many groups in both the public and private sectors to address the crime problems in Tulsa,” Taylor said.  “We have initiated programs to address offenses against seniors and worked with the community to address gang violence and prevention to create a safer environment with alternatives for at-risk populations and youth.

“I know that, with limited resources in the City's coffers, we cannot address our crime problems in isolation – it takes the entire community working together,” she continued.  “The next Chief of Police must be prepared to hit the ground running and be a team player.”

Bob Murray and Associates, a national consulting firm specializing in executive searches, will assist in the search process.  The consulting fees will be provided by a donation from the Tulsa Police Foundation and no public funds will be used.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 November 2006 )