Decree

On May 23, 2003 the City of Tulsa and a plaintiffs’ class of African American Officers agreed to end nine years of litigation in order to serve the Department and the Tulsa Communities better. This agreement, known as the Consent Decree, created numerous policy and procedural changes within the City of Tulsa Police Department. These changes include:

CALEA Accreditation- The Department will undergo accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The Goals of Accreditation are to establish fair and non-discriminatory practices, improve crime prevention and control capabilities, formalize management procedures, improve service delivery, improve interagency cooperation, and coordination and increase Public confidence in the Tulsa Police Department.

Data Collection - The Department will implement a data-collection system to collect specific data such training, productivity, commendations, and complaints.

Public Education - The purpose of the Public Education Plan is to inform citizens about the Decree itself, and to educate citizens about proper police functions, Fourth Amendment rights, procedures for commending officers and complaint procedures.

Specialty Assignments - Specialty assignments normally refer to those assignments that are not subject to the current bid process (normally non-patrol assignments). All such assignments will be based upon merit and fitness. Under normal circumstances, recruiting specific individuals without regard to all other applicants is prohibited.

Tulsa Black Officers’ Coalition - The Tulsa Black Officers’ Coalition is recognized as a professional community service organization which is an asset to the TPD and the City. The Coalition also serves as a support group to the African American officers within the TPD.

Training Curriculum - Officers at all levels will receive training in the methods and the strategies to develop partnerships in policing and how to access community resources.

Retaliation - The Department shall forbid any form of retaliation against a citizen who assists in bringing forth a complaint of civil rights violations.

Partnership in Policing - The Department strongly encourages citizens to participate in the development of proactive and creative strategies for solving crimes.

Complaint Process - The Internal Affairs Office has primary responsibility for the investigation and management of complaints filed against employees. Citizens may initiate a complaint, orally or in writing, in person, by phone, by letter, by fax, online at this web site or anonymously. Anonymous complaints will be investigated in the same manner as any other complaint.