Let's Talk Tulsa: Public Safety broadcast

TPD Chief Chuck Jordan (left) and Tulsa County DA Steven Kunzweiler. Photo from KOTV, NewsOn6.com Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler, Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan and others discussed the issues of public safety in our community last night at a public forum organized by Tulsa Today and you are welcome to view the entire event online. Local news media covered elements of the discussion, but missed some of the most compelling points. Of course, they also didn't mention the event was sponsored by Tulsa Today (the oldest independent online news service in the world) maybe because this type of event is what news organizations should be doing instead of hiding in their cubicles behind armed security guards. They should be engaging the public and providing experts to speak to issues. KOTV reporter Allison Harris noted:

Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan and Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler opened up for questions, which quickly turned to the topic of use of force.

Marq Lewis, the leader of many protests in Tulsa, read a TPD document revealing each time an officer used force in 2013.

Lewis: "There are 256 incidents that are excessive force." Jordan: "Excuse me, it says excessive force?" Lewis: "Use of force." Jordan: "There's a difference."

Jordan said it seems like a lot because he asks officers to write use of force reports even when they escort someone.

Click here for a report with video from KOTV.

The Tulsa World's Samantha Vicent also covered the event. Click here for more from the Tulsa World.

Thanks to Tulsa Live Events, our readers may view the entire meeting below: Your comments are welcome below.