Poll Shows Support for Tulsa PD Amid Investigation

Nov. 27-- The most recent Oklahoma Poll suggests that a long-running corruption investigation has caused little if any damage to the Tulsa Police Department's reputation with the public.

Seventy percent of the 508 Tulsans surveyed said they were satisfied that Tulsa police are "honest, ethical and professional in carrying out their duties," regardless of charges that brought convictions, admissions of wrongdoing or guilty pleas from five TPD officers and one federal agent.

"Whatever organization you're dealing with, there are always going to be one or two not on the up-and-up. The majority of the police, for the most part, I have nothing but respect for," said Mary Bell, who was among the 35 percent who said they were "very satisfied" with the department's integrity.

"I have a lot of friends on the police department," said Bobby Nelson. "I trust them, pretty much. Some of the police, well, you've got a bad apple in every barrel."

A federal investigation recently resulted in five current or former Tulsa police officers pleading guilty, being convicted or admitting to criminal behavior. In addition, more than 40 people have been freed from prison or had their felony cases dismissed or modified, and seven lawsuits have been filed against the city of Tulsa as a result of the investigation.

Fewer than one in five of those surveyed said they had seen a Tulsa police officer "behaving inappropriately," and most said steps taken in the wake of the scandals were sufficient to "restore public confidence" in the department.

Gwendolyn Steen said revelations from the investigation have "tarnished" the department but haven't changed her opinion of the Tulsa police as "trustworthy people."

Their "previous commitment" and "previous actions," Steen said, weigh more heavily than the recent difficulties.

Only 11 percent disapproved of the job done by Police Chief Chuck Jordan -- although 29 percent had no opinion on the matter, and some of those who did admitted they didn't know much about Jordan or his performance as chief.

As a result of the federal investigation, Jordan instituted changes in the way informants and cash are handled by police. He also instituted a policy that allows officers to be fired for lying.

"I haven't really paid too much attention but I think he's probably a puppet for the mayor," Nelson said.

"I don't like that mayor (Dewey Bartlett) much, as you've probably guessed."

Elvernon White said the police force is a reflection of the chief, and from his viewpoint that reflection is none too flattering.

"The police are running rampant, doing whatever they want to do," he said.

White said he recently had an unpleasant encounter with a TPD officer.

"I'm walking along in my neighborhood, I'd gone to the store and was on my way back, when one of them jumped out of his car with a gun on me," said White. "After he checked my license and my stuff, he let me go, but he seemed combative to me.

"I've seen them rough up several kids around here in my area."

White lives north of downtown, in Councilman Jack Henderson's district, an area noticeably less enthusiastic about Jordan, but that nevertheless indicated confidence in the police.

For all the stated respect for the department, a majority of those surveyed said they would favor a citizens' oversight board to address public concerns.

"I think that would be great," said White, "maybe a person from each council member's district."

"I think the citizens should get more involved and have more say in what's going on," Nelson said. "A lot of the people are kept in the dark. They don't really know and understand enough about what's happening."

Bell said she was concerned such a board would turn into an open season on the police department.

"I know some people view the police as being against them and are very derogative, and that would make (the) job harder," she said. "If it was a committee working with the police department ... I don't think it would necessarily be bad.

"It's very difficult to be a police officer in today's times," Bell said.

"You're expected to be perfect. You're expected to never make mistakes. You're dealing with people who are intoxicated or on substances or in domestic situations.

"It's just a very stressful and difficult situation."

Tulsa Police Department

How satisfied are you that members of the Tulsa Police Department are honest, ethical and professional in carrying out their duties?

Satisfied...................................... 70%

Neutral/no opinion .....................6%

Dissatisfied................................ 24%

(Numbers have been rounded)

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan has handled his job?

Strongly approve............ 22%

Somewhat approve .......38%

Combined approve......60%

Neutral/refused .............29%

Somewhat disapprove....6%

Strongly disapprove .........5%

Combined disapprove.....11%

Have you personally ever experienced a situation in which you observed a Tulsa Police ocer behaving inappropriately while on duty?

Yes......................................17%

No......................................82%

Don't know/Refused .......1%

Do you think the policy changes instituted as a result of a recent federal investigation into the Tulsa Police Department are adequate to restore public confidence in the department, or do you think other steps should be taken?

Adequate.........................59%

Other steps needed ......30%

Don't know/refused........11%

Do you think the city of Tulsa should establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Board to hear complaints from the public concerning the police department?

Yes.....................................54%

No...................................... 33%

Don't know/refused.......13%

(Numbers have been rounded.)

About the poll

conducted the scientific telephone survey of 508 Tulsa residents Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. It included 224 Democrats, 253 Republicans and 31 independents who have established a frequent voting pattern. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.34 percentage points. The poll is sponsored by the Tulsa World.

Randy Krehbiel 918-581-8365

[email protected]