Breaking: TPD Chief Selection Input Meetings Set

[makelifebetter4ok]

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
200 Civic Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103

Date:   November 28, 2006

CAP 06-241

Contact:     Kim MacLeod, 596-7803


MAYOR SETS DECEMBER 5TH PUBLIC MEETINGS TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON POLICE
CHIEF SELECTION


Mayor Kathy Taylor has scheduled four public town hall meetings for the
evening of December 5, 2006, to receive comments from Tulsa citizens
regarding selection of a new chief of police to replace retiring Chief
Dave Been.

Through these meetings, Mayor Taylor will initiate a community
engagement process to seek input regarding issues and challenges facing the
Tulsa Police Department, and the characteristics and qualities Tulsans see
as priorities in the recruitment of a new chief.  â€œEvery citizen of
Tulsa has a vested interest in who leads our police department. I want
to provide them opportunities to have their voices heard and give input
that will be helpful in the selection process.â€?  

Meetings will be held at four locations in different areas of the city.
Locations and times are listed below:

· Booker T. Washington High School auditorium, 1514 E. Zion St. â€"
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
· Webster High School auditorium, 1919 W. 40th St. â€" 5:30 p.m. to
7:00 p.m.
· East Central High School auditorium, 12150 E. 11th St. â€" 7:00 to
8:30 p.m.
· Union High School Performing Arts Center, 6636 S. Mingo Road â€"
7:00 to 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.


The Mayor has requested that Chief Been assist in the community
engagement process that will help determine the right characteristics and
qualifications to best fit the Department and the Tulsa community.  
Qualified candidates from within the Tulsa Police Department will be given the
first opportunity to apply.

The timeline for the process includes time for public input from
citizens, development of a comprehensive job description and interviews by
the Mayor 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. 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.  A donation from
the Tulsa Police Foundation will provide funding for the consulting fees
and no public funds will be used.

[jamesrage]

I think Mayor Taylor should pick someone from within the Tulsa police department for police chief.I think it is absurd to hire an outsider for the job and it is a slap in the face to all the  police officers who worked hard to get where they are at now.