TPD Blog

Crimes of fashion: Dressing for court is losing appeal

By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer
8/26/2007

Court officials say grungy duds reflect a disrespect for the institution of law.

Crimes of fashion are increasingly the style at the Tulsa County Courthouse.

Wearing suits when money is at stake is still the norm, but wearing them for appearance's sake is less so, and the concept of dressing up for court seems to be old hat.

"People have gotten much more lax in their dress," said Court Clerk Sally Howe Smith.

According to District Judge Tom Gillert, this "is a reflection of not only changes in the way we dress in society but how widespread it is to have no respect for institutions."

For jurors, the minimum standard is specified as "business casual," which can mean different things to different people.

But the desired look for a serious civic duty clearly does not feature flip-flops, Bermuda shorts, gang colors or a message shirt proclaiming the wearer's beer-drinking and hell-raising capabilities.

In seeking to enforce dress standards, though, "We have to be careful about it," District Judge Jefferson Sellers said. "Some people asking for access to the courts may not have business-casual attire."

As for jurors, some officials suspect that sloppy dress is sometimes a deliberate effort to get excused from service, and an occasional juror has been sent home with instructions to change clothes.

"Some people are so desperate to get out of jury duty, they will try just about anything," said Smith, who admits to being "very old school about dress."

The process of questioning potential panelists can reveal that a person in a "30-year-old T-shirt and raggedy blue jeans" actually has a good job, Smith said.

Jury coordinator Carlene Tallent said that when someone's clothing doesn't come close to business casual, she reminds him or her of the standard.

"When there is something really offensive, I would notify a judge," Tallent said.

She recalled a criminal trial juror who was clad in a shirt that bore the message "Hang 'em high."

A judge told the juror to wear the shirt inside out until he could go home at lunchtime to get an appropriate shirt.

District Judge Gordon McAllister said that when lawyers try to size up the attitudes of prospective panelists, "maybe you learn something about a juror if he has a marijuana leaf T-shirt."

In the case of criminal defendants, attorney Rabon Martin said lawyers must stress to clients the importance of proper courtroom appearance, particularly before a judge who will decide whether to grant probation or impose prison time.

A proper appearance means "no chunks of metal hanging from their face," Martin said. "It is ridiculous to walk in there with a torn Black Sabbath T-shirt and grimy jeans and expect to be treated like a gentleman or a lady.

"People who go to court dressed like that aren't thinking," he said. "It's not an intended slight."

Veteran attorney Fred DeMier tells clients to "dress like you dress going to church. Look as clean-cut as possible.

"No tank tops, and not a bunch of jewelry," he said. "Dressed up does not mean like you're going to a cocktail party."

District Judge Rebecca Nightingale said sometimes a criminal defendant needs to be corrected about a clothing choice, but she does not recall having to make a similar admonition to a party in a civil case, where money rather than freedom is on the line.

Nightingale said she has increasingly noticed situations when younger attorneys, who planned a casual dress day at the office, got caught without a jacket or tie when called to court unexpectedly.

Some judges have been known to keep extra neckwear on hand to lend to male lawyers who showed up without a tie.

Sellers said he has asked defendants in criminal cases "to go out in the hall and tuck their shirttails in so I am not distracted in the work I have to do."

He said he has also offered the option of covering up obscene tattoos in court.

Nightingale indicated that a person won't get a harsher sentence just for wearing a marijuana-leaf shirt to court, but she said disrespectful clothing can be a sign of an overall "very disrespectful attitude" that could weigh against the defendant.

Gillert said that in dealing with defendants, "We're trying to get them to treatment, to stop committing crimes, to pay fines. In the list of things that matter to me, cinching your pants up is way down on the list."

"I'm not going to be sending them to the penitentiary because they have saggy pants on," he said.

But that type of apparel "certainly tells me" that from a defendant's perspective, it is not important for them to look their best, said Gillert.

What not to wear to court

Sunglasses flipped back on top of your head or covering your eyes (unless you have a legitimate vision impairment)

Gang colors

Tattoos – tasteless or profane

A lot of facial piercings

Bare midriffs

Baggy pants that show underwear

Cleavage

Long pants are preferable to shorts

Message T-shirts, especially when the message is combative, confrontational or crude

Flip-flops

Tank tops or muscle shirts

In general, too revealing clothing

Bill Braun 581-8455

By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer
Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

Ruling on juveniles vexes jail

By KEVIN CANFIELD World Staff Writer
8/25/2007

The sheriff says the different treatment of youths will stretch resources.

An Oklahoma attorney general's opinion has the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office scrambling to find appropriate accommodations for juveniles waiting to be tried as adults.

The opinion, issued at the end of July, states that county jails holding such inmates are considered by law to be part of the state children and youth services system.

The ruling also says that the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth has the authority to monitor county jails and to investigate complaints regarding juveniles held as adults.

"What this opinion basically says is that you have to treat them as children," Sheriff Stanley Glanz told Tulsa County Criminal Justice Authority members Friday.

The opinion was requested by the commission after a disagreement with the Sheriff's Office over which state agency should investigate complaints of mistreatment of juveniles held in the jail.

Last year, Pat Martinez, a longtime volunteer chaplain at the jail, said she had been dismissed a day after voicing concerns about treatment of juveniles at the jail.

The Sheriff's Office said she had been dismissed for violating jail policy by giving stamps to inmates and putting money in inmates' accounts for commissary items.

Martinez's complaints, which included juveniles being Maced and pepper-sprayed, were investigated by the Oklahoma Department of Health's Jail Inspection Division.

The agency cleared the jail of any wrongdoing, Chief Deputy Tim Albin said.

The practical effect of the attorney general's opinion is that the jail is now required to meet the same standards and to provide the same services as a juvenile detention center, Glanz said.

"We don't have the resources," he said.

Janice Hendryx, director of the Commission on Children and Youth, said she was delighted to receive the opinion.

It "is consistent with the practice we've been engaging in for 25 years," she said.

The commission remains an oversight group, with no power to enforce state laws related to jail conditions.

That remains the purview of the Health Department, Hendryx said.

One solution being considered by the Sheriff's Office is to move the juveniles held as adults to the county's juvenile bureau facility at 315 S. Gilcrease Museum Road.

But that option, officials say, could have the unintended consequence of forcing the juvenile bureau to release some of its youthful offenders early.

Glanz estimated that the jail is holding 20 juveniles awaiting trial as adults.

The jail is also holding five juvenile offenders until beds can be found for them in the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Albin said that at least two juvenile inmates have been in the jail awaiting trial for more than a year.

"It's not like they're just here for a short period of time," he said.

Albin said the incarceration of juvenile inmates became a more complicated issue with the passage of the Youthful Offender Act.

Before it became law, the line between a juvenile offender and an adult offender was more clearly defined, and incarceration was handled accordingly, Albin said.

Now "they are all considered youthful offenders until they are convicted as adults, and therein lies the problem," Albin said.

The Sheriff's Office will meet Monday with District Judge Doris Fransein, who oversees the county's juvenile bureau, and Presiding District Judge Michael Gassett to look for ways to resolve the issue.

Kevin Canfield 581-8313

By KEVIN CANFIELD World Staff Writer

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

Ex-chiefs oppose at-will position

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
8/26/2007

But another former top cop says many big-city police chiefs work that way.

Two former Tulsa police chiefs said they are against Mayor Kathy Taylor's making the top cop a political appointment rather than a civil service job.

Another former chief defended the mayor's decision, which was revealed last week.

Dave Been, who retired as chief in May after five years on the job, and Harry Stege, who served from 1978-83, both said the move would be a mistake.

"The idea of being able to dismiss the police chief at will means the chief would simply be a rubber stamp for the mayor, and that's not always a good thing to have," Stege said.

"In a perfect world, maybe. But sometimes the policies of the mayor get in the way of good law enforcement."

But Drew Diamond, who was Tulsa's police chief from 1987-91, said the arrangement works in other cities.

"There's not a whole lot of civil service chiefs in the large, urban police departments," he said. "They're either in contracts or they're at-will."

Taylor intends to make the chief one of the 16 political appointments she is allowed under the City Charter.

She could remove the person who accepts the job at any time, without cause.

The mayor recently offered retiring Deputy Chief Bill Wells the post, which he declined because of the change in status. Historically, the chief has been covered under the civil service system.

Been said he knows firsthand the value of the chief's having civil service protection.

Last year, he was placed on administrative leave by then-Mayor Bill LaFortune because of a disagreement over a report that was critical of the SWAT team.

"Clearly, I would have been fired, without any recourse whatsoever, had I been an at-will employee," he said.

The flap took place during LaFortune's re-election race against Taylor -- and the political winds were blowing, Been said.

"Police should certainly be way above any political corruption or influence," he said.

But Diamond said he doesn't think an at-will chief would easily lead to corruption, which is a more complex issue.

"I don't think this would be detrimental to the Police Department," he said. "It's a choice for the city government."

Police corruption is a pivotal reason civil service was approved by city voters 50 years ago, following what is known as the Tulsa liquor conspiracy.

The Police Department was operating on the spoils system, with a new chief every year or two and officers going up and down the ranks based on who was in power.

A new administration once went so far as to fire 80 percent of the officers on the force.

Then the liquor conspiracy was uncovered.

In the commission form of government Tulsa used at the time, Police Commissioner Jay Jones was elected and then appointed Paul Livingston his police chief.

The two were among 20 men, including several police officers, who were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiring to violate liquor laws. Oklahoma was a dry state until 1959.

The government alleged that they shared in payoffs to prevent the arrests of bootleggers.

Jones and Livingston both ended up convicted of misdemeanor charges.

Public outrage prompted the passage of the civil service charter amendment in October 1957 to protect employees from the pressure of elected officials.

Should Tulsa police chief be political appointment?

NO
Dave Been, who retired as police chief in May after five years on the job.

Harry Stege, who served from 1978-83.

Both believe the change would make the position a rubber stamp for the mayor.

YES
Drew Diamond, who was Tulsa’s police chief from 1987-91.

He said the arrangement works in other cities.

Brian Barber 581-8322

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

Uniform Options Increase for Officers

On November 4, 2005, the Tulsa Police Department transitioned uniforms to traditional navy blue. While several factors were present when the decision was made to change uniforms, an important aspect has always been the availability of various optional items that were available.

According to Uniform Coordinator John Hoehner: "We were always limited in what kind of options we could get in our previous uniform. Our officers typically had one option and that option was just one uniform. The transition to navy blue uniforms has given us a tremendous opportunity to expand the options that our officers have available to them."

Several units have been in specific uniforms that assist them in their duties. The Canine Unit began wearing a cotton blended uniform with pockets that assisted them in their duties. Other specialty units gave followed.

Chief David Bostrom approved a Class B Utility Uniform for all patrol officers. While the appearance looks similar, the lighter material has some officers applauding the decision. Chief Bostrom was asked by patrol officers to consider the option and following a recommendation from the department’s uniform committee, the optional uniform was approved by Chief Bostrom in July.

Police chief job offer rejected by candidate

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer

8/23/2007

Mayor Kathy Taylor offered Deputy Chief Bill Wells the police chief's job recently but with one condition: he would be one of her at-will employees.

Wells, a 32-year veteran of the force who was one of three internal candidates initially rejected for the job, declined the offer.

"She made it clear to me that it would not be a job with civil service protection," he said this week. "It would be one of her political appointments.

"I couldn't accept that. It would have destroyed my credibility. I don't think it would be good for the citizens or my fellow officers to have a politically controlled Police Department."

Taylor said she and Wells, after discussing the possibility, "mutually agreed" he wouldn't fit the job as offered due to "philosophical differences."

"He doesn't believe the Police Department should be part of the team of the city," she said. "His view is that . . . he would work with the mayor but certainly not for the mayor."

Taylor said she intends to hire a new chief soon who will be an at-will employee, serving at the pleasure of the mayor.

Interim Police Chief David Bostrom, a law enforcement consultant from Wilmington, Del., has said he intends to be gone by November.

The mayor is allowed 16 unclassified employees under the City Charter. A newly drafted legal opinion by the City Attorney's Office indicates such at-will employees can serve as department heads.

"I clearly have the right to name department heads as part of my management team and that is what we are moving forward to do," Taylor said, adding it follows Tulsa's strong-mayor form of government.

"This person will be part of my staff and serve concurrent with my term."

Tulsa historically has had a chief who was an employee of the Police Department.

The job offer made to Wells was an about-face for Taylor, who rejected the internal candidates earlier this year and launched an external search.

The same offer was not made to the other two internal candidates, Maj. Rob Turner and Maj. Paul Williams, they both confirmed.

"I was absolutely shocked because the last time the mayor and I really talked was months ago during the initial job interview," said Wells, 58, who is retiring Nov. 1.

Taylor said she knew that Wells was planning to leave soon and "wanted to leave no stone unturned."

"There were those who felt Deputy Chief Wells could bring the department together and allow it to continue to excel," she said. "I wasn't going to let him retire without talking to him one more time to see if he was the guy that really has the passion to do that."

A lawsuit by the internal candidates pending in Tulsa County District Court claims the mayor is required by the City Charter to hire one of them since three certified, qualified people had applied.

Wells said he offered Taylor a sort of compromise.

"I would have taken the job as it has been, as a member of the Police Department," he said. "And then she could ask the people to decide in a vote whether they want a politically appointed chief. But that was unacceptable to her."

Some cities across the country have politically appointed police chiefs, Wells said.

"I'm convinced that one of the reasons we don't have big-scale corruption issues in our department is because it is structured the way that it is, somewhat removed from politics," he said.

Taylor said that if a police chief is doing a great job, being an at-will employee under the mayor shouldn't be an issue.

"I've talked to mayors who have police chiefs on their mayoral staffs and it has worked very well," she said.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 93 President Darin Filak said the force is against having a politically appointed chief.

"This is patently wrong," he said. "The police chief needs to be able to do what's right for the public without worrying about trying to constantly appease the mayor."

Wells said he intends to move to an area north of Edmond to be closer to family when he retires.

But he will remain involved in the pending lawsuit "out of principle."

Brian Barber 581-8322

brian.barber@tulsaworld.com

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

Latest Tulsa Police Podcast - Street Stories

The latest podcast for your listening pleasure.....

http://www.tpdpodcast.com/2007/08/16/custody-street-stories-14/

The Dash

Many years ago I attended an awards banquet in which a teacher spoke about how individuals choose to live their "dash". What I mean by the dash is the line between my birth date and my date of death on my headstone. It is the choices that each of us makes that truly gives meaning to how another individual perceives that dash.

Beginning August 13, 2007 the academy staff has shortened my dash to a small dot. My imaginary headstone has been erased and there is no sign of any identity whatsoever. Academy life takes a brand new soul and ages it about 50 years in a matter of 30 seconds. In general, life is about being prepared and there is no exception in the academy.

Black Monday the class drove in together much like a processional. Our philosophy was we are a team and we will go down as a team. Unfortunately the staff had a different philosophy, which was much unlike ours. As we pulled into the parking lot I did not know whether to laugh, cry, choke, or relieve myself right there in my seat. We parked our vehicles and without delay we had begun the first day of the rest of our lives.

We were ordered to stand at the back of our vehicles while our Class Coordinator verified our driver’s license and insurance. Believe me that was the easy part. The first reality check was when one of my classmates ran to the Class Coordinator and advised him that he was told to come see him due to not knowing an answer to a question. The Class Coordinator’s response was, "you can use a life line, phone a friend". Lucky me, I was the closest friend.

By this time I am already praying that God puts my heart back in my chest. Then, from across the parking lot where my classmates are getting there first official "welcome" to the Police Department, I hear, "Hoehner, I want you in the back of the line". Oh wait it gets better. From behind me I am addressed with, "Ms. Hoehner this is not starting off as a good day is it?" I respond with, "no sir?" It still gets better. "Ms. Hoehner you may want to close your car doors." Holy smokes! Because I bailed out of my car and about fell over myself due to nervousness I forgot to lock my car doors. There they were, all four doors, standing open in all their glory.

I got smoked in the parking lot and that is putting it really nicely. The back parking lot and I became very intimate that morning. The way I look at it though, I deserved everything I got. After 24 people completed what is considered the Black Monday portion of the morning we stood for the first time at attention in front of the Tulsa Police Department Training Staff. It was then that I looked out across the gym and thought to myself, "this is where I will receive my badge in six months." This is the facility where I will be educated, trained, and earn the blue uniform.

On Tuesday each of us has to complete the Cooper’s Fitness Test. My shoulders were already screaming from the day before but you just push through the pain. As one of my favorite Corporals says, "pain is weakness leaving the body". I am only four months out of surgery but I rehabbed and trained to reach a specific goal for this test. My goal was to score the highest medal, the gold medal this time through. I have never been a long distance runner and struggle almost every time. Part of the Cooper’s Test is to complete a 1 ½ mile run. The run is done as a group so we are spread out all over the place due to running ability.

As I finished the first leg of my run, I noticed that one of my classmates was running right next to me. On the final leg the same classmate was still in step with me encouraging me to push it to the end. This APO is in the military and in good physical condition. I knew without a doubt he did not have to run that slow but did so just not to leave an APO behind. If you have never felt that kind of loyalty before the only possible way I can explain it is the greatest feeling knowing that no matter what another person, one of your own, has your back. It is the type of loyalty where you act without hesitation, thought, and even to the extreme of taking a bullet for you. He gave of himself, received a slower time, only to ensure I made it to the end. With the help of many people during my healing process and my loyal classmate, I earned my gold medal.

The remainder of the week was filled with policy and procedure, CALEA, rules and regulations, geography, and other administrative necessities of the Police Department. By the end of the week there was a true sense of the class working as a team. As stressful as the first week was we still walked to our vehicles on Friday with a feeling of accomplishment.

This first week enforces how important each decision we make effects our career. As a police officer our decisions not only affect us as individuals but also the community and our fellow officers. The dash is no longer about me it is about the team.

APO Amy Hoehner

Tough law in school zones

(TULSA, Okla.) August 20 –

School is back in session, but the first lesson of the day was given to some, complements of the Tulsa Police Department.

And if you don't put on the breaks in school zones, it could cost you more than money.

Police now have zero tolerance for people who speed in school zones and speeders will be forced to face a judge no matter what.

You'll find a crossing guard at many corners in and around Tulsa elementary schools, but not all drivers are listening, watching, or slowing down.

But if you're going over 25 miles an hour in a school zone, get ready to pay a fine up to $500 or even spend some time in jail. The penalties are severe because so much is at stake.

"They need to understand that these are little children not adults that are over here walking, little kids you know they're helpless", says Lakinda White.

If you get a ticket in a school zone you'll have to explain yourself to a judge. "Who wants to get in front of a judge? Let me just pay the ticket and go about my business. If I have to get in front a judge that's just taking away from job everyday", says Marvin Bizzell, who was ticketed today.

Tulsa police say they will be out in full force for the next two weeks. However, bike cops will be out each week making sure that you don't zip by any of through school zones.

Police also urge drivers to watch closely for students walking where there is no designated crossing. That's jaywalking, but officers say it's rarely enforced.

Copyright KOKI 2007.

Services planned for retired officer

By Staff Reports

8/21/2007

David Henry Harper, a retired Tulsa police officer, died Sunday. He was 60.

A memorial service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Freeman Harris Funeral Home Chapel.

Harper was born April 1, 1947, in Tulsa to Irene and John Harper and graduated from Webster High School in 1965. He then attended Northeastern State University until he was drafted to the military in 1966.

Harper served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1970. He married Barbara Criner in 1976.

Harper attended the Tulsa Police Academy in 1971, graduating in January 1972.

A member of the Tulsa police force for 28 years, Harper spent 21 years on patrol and the last seven years of his career as a burglary detective.

He was nominated for Tulsa Police Officer of the Year in the late 1990s.

During his police career, Harper founded, owned and operated Protective Services of Tulsa, a business that is now owned and operated by his children.

He was part of the Harley Owners Group in Tulsa.

Harper is survived by his wife, Barbara Harper; two children, Courtney Harper of Tulsa and John Harper II of Tulsa; and two siblings, Benjamin Harper of Owasso and Doris Smith of Tulsa.

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

New TPS school security

(TULSA, Okla.) Fox 23 - August 18 -

In just days thousands of Tulsa students will head back to school and police officers will meet them at the door. The district has a new security plan.

While having an officer in a school may not sound new, this year all Tulsa high schools will have a police officer on school grounds. And the school system will have their very own police force.

It’s all an effort to keep your kids safe. Kids like Betty Moore’s grandchildren who have only a few days left before they start school. Moore says she can't help but to think about how schools have changed.

"I remember years ago when children were more respectful in school and you really didn't have to do a lot of enforcing," she recalls.

She says hearing about all the things that happen in schools these days is frightening.

But she says she now will have more peace of mind after hearing the news that all Tulsa high schools will have police officers on campus and the school system will have its very own police force.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Zolkoski says having officers and security guards in all schools will help teachers and students stay focused.

"We're here to make sure our children are safe. We need to worry about curriculum and instruction and getting ready for college," Dr. Zolkoski says.

And keeping crime out is something Dr. Z says students are pushing for as many have taken part in the school's Crime Stoppers.

"I think want students want their schools safe too. It's a partnership with students. School is about kids and we want them to have fun and enjoy it, but we do have rules and we want to make sure they're safe," he says.

And safe is a four-letter word Betty Moore hopes is the most important to a successful school year.

Dr. Z says there will be 11 actual police officers in the high schools and nearly 50 security guards throughout the district.

Last April the Tulsa School Board approved new start times for all Tulsa public schools.

All elementary schools will start at 7:55 a.m.

Middle schools will start at 8:20 a.m.

And high schools will start at 8:50 a.m.

Copyright KOKI Fox 23 2007.

City's compliance questioned

By DAVID HARPER World Staff Writer

8/18/2007

Tulsa is failing to comply with a settlement regarding racial bias in the Police Department, a lawyer for black officers claims.

The city is not complying with the 2003 consent decree that resolved a racial discrimination lawsuit against it by black police officers, the officers' attorney alleged in a court pleading this week.

However, the city's legal representative, Joel Wohlgemuth, denied the allegations Friday and said they might be motivated, at least in part, by a recent appellate court decision regarding fees that plaintiffs' attorneys now might be able to recover.

Tulsa attorney Louis Bullock alleges that the city has failed to comply with the 2003 settlement on matters connected to racial bias in policing, specialty assignments within the Tulsa Police Department and retaliation.

Bullock claimed in the pleading that the Police Department uses force against black residents at a rate of nearly three times their percentage in the population without analyzing those statistics to explain why the disparity exists.

His filing says the plaintiffs' attorneys have been questioning the city on the issue for more than two years and have received no meaningful response.

The plaintiffs' complaints regarding retaliation and specialty assignments for officers center on the treatment given a white officer, Cpl. Ron Clark.

Earlier this month, John A. Gaberino Jr., the independent auditor who is monitoring whether the city is complying with the settlement's terms, found that some question might exist as to whether Clark's situation even falls within the consent decree's scope.

Gaberino wrote that all officers are entitled to the benefits afforded by the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

However, he noted, the lawsuit was brought by a group of black officers who believed that they and their fellow black officers were not receiving that equal protection.

"It is therefore arguable that non-minority police officers, who believe the department is discriminating against them, may not be covered by the consent decree and should pursue their claim/complaint through regular channels within the Tulsa Police Department," Gaberino wrote.

According to Gaberino's report, the plaintiffs claim that Clark was reassigned out of the Motorcycle Division in retaliation for a complaint he made in May 2004 when another officer was chosen for a spot in the division.

That issue seemingly was resolved in August 2004 when Clark was added back to the Motorcycle Division effective Sept. 1, 2004.

However, earlier this year he again was transferred out of the Motorcycle Division -- his preferred position -- to the Police Department's Special Investigations Division.

The city claims that the move was made to address a recent surge in gang violence. It claims that the options for someone to transfer to SID boiled down to two corporals -- including Clark -- in the motorcycle unit.

But Gaberino wrote that the department could have chosen from more than 80 corporals. Still, he stopped short of finding the city out of compliance, saying he would wait for the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Committee to hear all the facts.

Wohlgemuth on Friday characterized the Clark matter as a "continuing personnel problem" that, like the plaintiffs' other complaints this week, probably will be scheduled for a settlement conference by the court.

This is the greatest amount of activity in the once-contentious lawsuit in years. Until this week, it appeared that the 13-year-old case might be easing toward being taken off the court's active docket on the decree's five-year anniversary next year.

Wohlgemuth said that when he saw the plaintiffs' filing this week, "my initial reaction was, 'Well, now there's some motivation for them (the plaintiffs) to take aggressive action on potential issues.' "

In February 2005, the plaintiffs' attorneys sought approximately $96,000 for their efforts in monitoring the city's compliance with the decree.

U.S. District Judge Terence Kern ruled in April 2005, however, that the decree did not place the plaintiffs' lawyers in charge of ensuring compliance, so the city didn't have to pay them for doing so.

But on June 14, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that such fees may be awarded for efforts to preserve the "fruits" of the decree. The appellate court returned the issue to the Tulsa court to determine what the proper amount, if any, is.

The parties are to file a joint pleading on the issue by the end of this month and engage in a settlement conference on the matter Sept. 27.

David Harper 581-8359

david.harper@tulsaworld.com

By DAVID HARPER World Staff Writer

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

Pedals powered: TPD bicycle patrol rolling out five new bikes

By P.J. LASSEK World Staff Writer

8/16/2007

The Tulsa Police Department's bicycle patrol has received five more Trek mountain bikes to be used in patrolling River Parks, officials announced Wednesday.

"I'm assured . . . that these bikes can go anywhere that a human can go," Major Dennis Larsen said about patrolling the trails on the east and west banks of the Arkansas River and the Turkey Mountain area.

The donation, which brings the patrol to 13 bicycles, came from the William K. Warren Foundation.

During a news conference Wednesday, John-Kelly Warren said that "2007 seems to be the year of the bike, at least as far as our foundation is concerned."

Warren noted that the foundation gave 300 bicycles to the Little 100 during the Tulsa Tough competition, and 75 "Tulsa Townies" are available free to riders at the river.

"It just seemed only natural . . . to do something for the Police Department" to help provide added security in River Parks, said Warren, CEO of the foundation and a River Parks Authority member.

Mayor Kathy Taylor said the bicycle patrol program has made a huge impact downtown and during festivals.

"I have heard downtown residents and business people say how much safer they feel knowing those officers are there," she said.

Taylor thanked the Warren Foundation for coming forward to "make that same impact on the river and as we move forward for what I think will be a great development of the river."

"What we know is that we need to make sure there is a reality and perception of public safety and this will do a lot to do that," the mayor said.

The bicycles cost $1,600 each, for a total donation of $8,000.

River Parks Authority Executive Director Matt Meyer said more security on the trail "is certainly a good thing."

"We want a safe park, and we want to partner with you guys," he said to the police officials.

"I realize that you won't always have staff all the time to be out there, (but) we're certainly grateful."

The bicycle patrols will enhance security now provided by off-duty officers from various agencies that the River Parks Authority contracts with to patrol the trails, Meyer said.

Larsen said that when manpower levels permit, bike patrol officers will be assigned to the river -- probably two to three times a week.

Officer Anthony First said bicycle patrols are growing in popularity across the nation.

"Bikes are the most effective bad-guy-catching tool and community relations tool," said First, who leads the TPD bicycle patrol program.

"They're also the least expensive, most cost-effective, and have no impact on the environment. There is very little downside."

The bicycle patrol program is voluntary for officers.

When the first round of initial training is completed, the department will have 50 full-time officers and 10 reserve officers in the bicycle patrol program, First said.

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication

Tulsa police also feeling the pinch

By NICOLE MARSHALL World Staff Writer

8/18/2007

The scarcity of ammunition for law enforcement use has complicated training for the Tulsa Police Department.

The department's rangemaster, Sgt. Mike Eckert, said Friday that the department has enough .40-caliber ammunition available for officers' Glock sidearms for both on-duty use and for qualifying at the range. However, it took five months to receive the last shipment after it was ordered, he said.

Eckert, who became the rangemaster in January, said officers who have worked there for several years said that typically they could pick up the phone, order .40-caliber ammunition and receive it in a week or two.

"So it has greatly increased the time from ordering to arrival, and because of that, the range staff, or police administration in general, has to stay so far ahead to keep enough ammunition on hand not just for practice but for duty use," Eckert said.

The manufacturers have explained to him that the delays are due to the increased demand of the components that make up bullets, so the resulting shortage is not caliber-specific to military ammunition, he said. How long the shortage might last is unknown, he said.

"Until there is not a need on the part of the military, law enforcement is going to have to take a back seat," Eckert said. "We all understand that. We are not mad at anybody for it. It is just a reality we are going to have to live with."

Eckert said the shortage has delayed officers' ability to qualify to use rifles while on patrol.

Officers who attend a three-day school and meet stringent shooting standards can qualify to arm themselves with semiautomatic rifles that were purchased either by the officers themselves or with grant funds. During the school, the officers shoot more than 500 rounds to become certified, Eckert said.

The department is still waiting for a $25,000 shipment of .223-caliber ammunition that was ordered more than six months ago for use in the patrol rifles, he said.

"We have patrol rifles sitting here in our vault that are ready to be issued, but we don't have ammunition to put with it," Eckert said.

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Students are at much greater risk while traveling to and from school than at any other time in their school day. Nationwide about 800 children age 5-18 were killed while traveling by passenger car, on foot, on bicycle and by school bus.

The Tulsa Police Department, in cooperation with Tulsa area schools, will focus on the opening of School Zones in the Union Public Schools on Thursday August 16^th and the Tulsa Public Schools on Monday August 20, 2007. Special enforcement units will target marked School Zones and streets around many schools as well as School Bus Stops. Motorcycle officers and Traffic Enforcement Units will give special attention to all moving violations near schools and around school buses picking up and dropping off children. Citations that are written in a School Zone are  booked to court, no matter the amount over the posted 25-mph.

Starting this week, drivers are encouraged to actively look out for children walking and riding bicycles to and from school, and to be extra cautious around school buses. Parents are also advised to be very careful when dropping off and picking up their children in front of schools.

I Am Ready…I Think

This morning I was talking to a friend of mine on the phone who found a great amount of humor in my activities of the day. In one of my previous blogs I wrote about how, well how do I say it, I am really organized. Today is a fabulous example of my "organizational-ness".

Before I went to bed last night I knew exactly what tasks I needed to complete today. I conjured up this substantial list of have to’s and God forbid if I don’t do’s. As I woke up this morning, I was quickly reminded of the list as it was my alarm blaring in my head. It was early but I rolled out of bed with a mission.

All day just isn’t long enough to pack bags so I started first thing in the morning. I laid every necessary item out on my bed to be packed: t-shirts, socks, lock, shorts, and anything else that I could possibly need. So while I was cramming a gym bag with enough clothes to last me a month I thought, "what the heck I’ll get my clothes ready for the morning too."

Now that my clothes were ready for the morning and my gym bag weighed more than I can bench it was time to pack my backpack. I have an incredible respect for parents who have to pack bags for their children. There is an art to packing three large three ring binders, folders, notebooks, and more pens and highlighters than I will ever use.

I carried both bags out to my car. This should answer doubt of my "organizational-ness". As I put all said items into my car it was 10:00 a.m. I do not have to be at the academy until 7:00 a.m. on Monday. But wait I have a few more things that if I do not complete could be career ending. When I say things I mean polishing my boots for the fiftieth time for hours on end.

So you can see why my friend found my antics today quite entertaining. My bags are packed, in my car, and I still think I have so much more to accomplish. I have to say at least it is one less thing I have to worry about in the morning. The up side is the next time I blog, Black Monday will be a memory.

APO Amy Hoehner

How they get in, what they take

By NICOLE MARSHALL World Staff Writer

8/12/2007

Police say it’s only logical that summer brings out the burglars

While homeowners spend parts of the summer on vacation or outside enjoying the sun, home burglars are working overtime, statistics show.

But police say you can do many things to protect your property, whether you’re home or away.

Burglary is the second-largest crime type in Tulsa—after larceny —with 6,333 burglaries reported in 2006. Most burglars target homes rather than businesses.

Tulsa Police Officer JasonWillingham said most burglaries occur in the summer or during the winter holidays because they are crimes of opportunity.

‘‘One of the best things you can do is to leave your garage door closed,’’ Willingham said. "Otherwise, thieves can walk up and take your chainsaw, weedeater,…anything inside.

‘‘It’s just one of the simple things you can do to make a difference.’’

Because most burglars enter through doors, you can also decrease your risk of being a burglary victim by having strong doors, good locks and proper lighting.

Burglaries in the U.S.

65.8 percent are residential. A break-in occurs every 14.6 seconds. Every year, more than 2 million homes are burglarized.

• Homes without security systems are 3 times as likely to be burglarized.

• More than 60 percent of home burglaries occur in the daytime.

• The average loss in a home burglary is more than $1,600.

What thieves want

Think portable. Burglars typically take what they can carry easily from your home. With advances in technology, police have seen an increase in the theft of TVs, since even wide-screen TVs are light enough to carry. Other property you may want to mark or store somewhere where burglars won’t find it:

• Video game players

• Musical instruments

• Stereo equipment

• Fishing rods, reels

• Cash, checkbooks, identification

• Cameras

• Computers

• Watches and jewelry

Burglary victim speaks up

By NICOLE MARSHALL World Staff Writer

8/12/2007

No one expects to be a home burglary victim.

"You read about it; you hear about it; but you never think it is going to happen to you," said Ernesto Mondragon, a Tulsa resident who was shot by a thief he found in his home in May.

The burglar who shot Mondragon remains on the loose. As in many burglaries, the possessions he took from Mondragon's family had more sentimental than monetary value.

Before the shooting, Mondragon never would have thought he needed a home security system, he said, but since the break-in, he has installed one. He also bought stronger windows and doors.

"Before the shooting, . . . my assumption was it was a safe neighborhood," he said.

He advised people to be vigilant when they see anything that looks out of place in their neighborhood.

"Don't take for granted that the strange car parked in front of a house belonging to your neighbor is supposed to be there," Mondragon said. "If a neighbor's door is open, you can't assume that neighbor is OK."

The Crime Commission has helped create a Neighborhood Watch in Mondragon's neighborhood.

Nicole Marshall 581-8459

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

Slingshot

"Violent and combative…" that’s the way the dispatcher described the patient we needed to transport. It’s not a lot of fun to wrestle with people who unfortunately suffer from mental and behavioral problems, especially when they’re really battling things inside their own heads.

As we approach the hospital emergency room where the patient is restrained and shackled, we can hear him screaming and moaning. This isn’t going to be fun. Instead of an easy escort from one hospital to another, I was anticipating an uphill battle every inch of the way and a torturous ride of yelling and screaming.

We walked into the room and found "Malcolm." We’ve met with him before and the last time it was nothing but a fight. I had absolutely no desire to fight with him, so I decided to take another approach. It didn’t work last time but maybe it would this time.

Malcolm was sort of laying back, but laying up in the air, held down by restraints, but still lifting himself off the hospital gurney. He looked like he was screaming but not a sound was coming from his mouth.

"Malcolm, how are you doing?" I asked.

"I’ve been really really better," he replied. He fell back into the bed as he spoke.

"We’re going to take you to another hospital to get you some help, OK?"

Malcolm seemed somewhat relieved and suddenly calm as he said, "that would be good."

The nurse handed us Malcolm’s belongings to take along. There was a large, three-foot long branch with a bungee-cord around it. The branch was shaped like a Y.

"Hey Malcolm, what’s the tree branch for?" I inquired.

"That’s a slingshot…I use it to shoot down the bad things that are after me…"

I got a lump in my throat. There’s a seemingly normal, full-grown man lying in front of me. But he’s suffering in his own mind believing that "bad things" are after him and needs a "slingshot" to ward them off. In that moment, I felt almost ashamed to be in a right mind (relatively speaking, of course).

"Malcolm, we’re the police, we’ll help protect you from those bad things. We won’t let them get you."

"Oh, that’s good…that’s real real good," he said with a sigh of relief.

Malcolm started singing a hymn and then recited a sermon that he must have learned from a pastor at church. He was calm.

We made it out of the emergency room and out to the street without incident. But he became agitated when I started to put the "slingshot" into the trunk of my police car.

"Hey Malcolm, it’s OK, it’ll be right here."

"I need it, I need it, and I need to make a new one."

"Well, maybe after you get some help, we can make some new slingshots together," I said (and false promised knowing that we’d never have the chance).

Malcolm’s face was glowing, he was smiling ear to ear. "Oh that’s happy! That’s real happy! We can make all kinds of slingshots together!"

I don’t know if it was the innocence of his words, the sad notion that probably nobody offered to do anything with him, or just the feeling that he thought he had a friend. Maybe it was all of that and more. While I could pretend to perceive his delusions, I couldn’t even imagine his emotional pain. But I could feel his loneliness. And like a slingshot, it struck me hard.

Off. Jay Chiarito-Mazzarella

Police chief to be picked by Nov. 18

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer

8/9/2007

Mayor Kathy Taylor will name a permanent replacement for Interim Police Chief David Bostrom before Nov. 18 — when he would have completed six months as the city’s top cop, officials said Wednesday.

"The external search has been an ongoing process," Taylor’s spokeswoman Sheryl Lovelady said. "She’s looking for the best person to lead our Police Department." By leaving by that date, Bostrom will avoid having to meet state police chief training requirements.

"I hope to be home by Thanksgiving," said Bostrom, a law enforcement consultant from Wilmington, Del.

Meanwhile, one of the three rejected internal candidates for the job, Deputy Chief Bill Wells, will retire Nov. 1.

Wells is already off duty, using accrued vacation time.

Maj. Burney York is the acting deputy chief.

Wells will remain a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the city, but by the time it is resolved he would not likely be considered an eligible candidate, he said.

"I’ll still be involved out of principle," he said.

If Bostrom were to remain the interim chief after mid-November, he would have to complete two levels of training to meet state requirements, even though he has spent 35 years in law enforcement.

Oklahoma law requires all police chiefs to be certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training within six months of assuming their posts unless they receive an extension.

That means Bostrom would have to participate in Tulsa’s five-month police academy. The next one starts Monday.

"I couldn’t stop being the chief and go to the academy full time," Bostrom said. "I will be there Monday, but it will be as an observer to wish the cadets well."

Distinction in Chaos

Around 1:00 A.M. this morning, my partner and I get a call about a disturbance with a knife. Reportedly, a guy was running around an apartment complex stabbing people. My partner shows up first and makes an emergency request to hold all radio traffic (which means all officers stop using the radio in the meantime). As I approach the apartment, I look down below a steep embankment. There’s a broken window, shattered glass, doors forced open, people screaming, and blood everywhere I shine my flashlight. The stairs to the apartment were too far away, so the quickest way down was a grassy embankment. So, like sliding into home plate, I jumped and slid down the 20-foot slope.

As I ran into the apartment, blood was smeared everywhere: on the walls, all over the carpet, and dripping from the face of a guy sitting in a chair. Another woman was lying face down on the floor, with a knife right beside her head. A terrified teenager with a shocked look on his face sat on the couch. Beside him there was a woman with cuts and blood all over her feet holding an infant.

Suddenly, there was a commotion from the upstairs apartment just above. A bunch of officers run upstairs to find more victims and to hopefully catch the suspect. However, the suspect was sitting right in front of me.

Sometimes, especially amid chaos, things don’t appear as they seem. Victims seem like suspects; suspects seem like victims. After the woman with the bloody feet yelled a few times at the man bleeding from his head, I knew I found the suspect. Just as I was about to handcuff him, he lunged at a paramedic who just arrived to treat the victims. I tackled the suspect, grabbed his arms behind his back, and yelled, "Cuff him! Cuff him! I got his arms!" I just found out that I was the only officer in the room. I yelled into the radio for help. Luckily, I was able to pepper-spray the suspect and handcuff him, just as other officers ran into the room.

We started putting the pieces of the puzzle together. The suspect and his middle-aged mother came to the apartment where the suspect’s (common-law) wife lived. The wife told him to leave, but instead, he tried to push in the door. The wife then ran upstairs where the suspect followed her. The suspect kicked in the door of the upstairs apartment to get at her. The people upstairs also got slashed while trying to subdue the suspect, who had a knife or a machete, by hitting him over the head a few times. The people chased the suspect outside and the wife ran back downstairs into her apartment. But the suspect apparently jumped through the bedroom window (head first) to attack her. She locked herself in the bathroom, while the suspect tried to stab at her through the door and slashed her feet through the bottom of the door. That’s when my partner showed up, heard the threats and cries for help, and kicked in the door putting a stop to what could have been and even far worse attack.

Off. Jay Chiarito-Mazzarella

RELATED STORIES

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070803_1__Atlea26548

PGA Brings Traffic Nightmare

KOTV - 8/6/2007

Beating the heat at the PGA Championship is going to be a challenge, and just getting there can be tricky too. But News On 6 anchor Omar Villafranca reports according to Tulsa Police things are actually going very well, as far as traffic goes.

Tulsa drivers experienced some minor delays Monday afternoon around 71st and Lewis. Officers solved the problem by putting up more signs restricting left turns. Police say if you want to visit shops and restaurants in the area that's just fine, but they do encourage drivers just passing through to find another way. They suggest Highway 75, Riverside, and Yale as alternates. And if you are heading to the tournament officers say it's best to take the shuttle.

"It drops you off right at the front gate. You don't get hot, or tired, or thirsty, and you're right there," said Tulsa Police Sergeant Rick Bondy. "So use those shuttle lots."

Police say while they do have a traffic plan, they are also prepared to change it if need be. They say there is a truck on standby that's loaded with road closed signs, just in case they need to handle any other traffic troubles.

For a map of the shuttle locations, street closures and intersections where left turns are restricted click here: http://kotv.com/special/pga/traffic.aspx

Copyright KOTV Tulsa 2007.

City worried about illegal vendors

(TULSA, Okla.) KOKI July 30 –

When you head to the PGA Championship next week, there might be someone there trying to rip you off. The city says there could be con-artists there selling fake PGA merchandise.

Freckles Frozen Custard is a family favorite at 51st & Harvard. But next week managers will also take their business on the road, selling ice cream at the PGA Championship. And while Freckles is doing it legally, owner Don McKinney is worried about those who aren't. "It's not fair to me to pay sales tax on an item when you've got somebody else who's just going to put up a card table and put the money in his pocket."

It's a problem the city says may pop up all around Southern Hills Golf Course. Vendors setting up without the proper permits, potentially selling everything from ice cream to fake PGA merchandise.

Major Dennis Larsen with the Tulsa Police Department says, "Sometimes what we've seen is stuff that is knock-offs or pirates of the originals, which is blatantly illegal."

If you want to buy something authentic but have your doubts about it, the city says you probably shouldn't buy it.

The city says illegal vendors are also a safety hazard. If they line the streets, it could lead to an accident. Police and city inspectors will be out in force trying to make sure that doesn't happen. "They'll be issuing code citations too and shutting them down", says Major Larsen.

And that could help Freckles sell plenty of custard. "The people who are playing by the rules ought to be protected somehow", says McKinney.

The illegal vendors could also cause the city to lose out on some sales tax money, but the mayor's office says they don't expect that to be a problem.

If you see a potentially illegal vendor you should call the Mayor's Action Line at 596-2100.

Copyright KOKI Tulsa 2007.

Crunch Time

Amy with some new classmates

Only one week until Black Monday! Black Monday is the first day of the academy and the name is quite fitting. Because I cannot go into great detail about this day I will sum it up by saying, "Fun?…Not so much!" You learn your place very fast, and let there be no mistake, it is at the bottom.

On orientation day each APO is given oceans of information. It is expected that each APO will have everything memorized by Black Monday. It is not just a few "need to know" questions such as "What color do your boots need to be?" The information is more along the lines of geography (street names and hundred blocks) for the entire City of Tulsa, 10-Codes, organizational charts, etc. Sure enough, on the first day, when a staff member is in your face, no matter how hard you’ve studied you will forget everything, including your name.

Over the past several weeks, many of the APOs have met to study. We have quizzed each other, made tests, used flash cards, and have found creative ways to remember 10-codes. Everyone has a different way of learning and it helps to discuss these ideas in a group. What is most entertaining is to hear APOs using 10-codes to construct an entire sentence, i.e., "I’ll be 10-15 with a 10-52 who was involved in a 10-78 and also has a 10-54." I truly feel bad for spouses, girlfriends and boyfriends who have to translate this newfound police language. It is a whole new language (on steroids) with absolutely no consistent structure.

Now, let’s return to the matter of being at the bottom of the food chain. Even though we are reminded of that as soon as our soles touch the pavement, it is reinforced, in writing, on the organizational chart. In all seriousness I do not think that anyone could argue it is important to know who is in your chain of command. It would be difficult to "take something up the chain of command" if you don’t know for whom you work.

Geography is a beast of it’s own. Methods to use for memorization of streets are passed down from academies of the past. There may be something that rhymes with the street name or a short phrase that helps you remember what name goes with the hundred blocks. If you can only imagine having an entire city map stamped inside your brain. Not only do you visualize lines running every which way, but attach numbers to those lines as well. To sum it all up, we will now be quizzed and expected to rattle off the names of each street along with their corresponding hundred block while hoping to God that you don’t freeze while a staff member is standing in your face.

There is no such thing as being too prepared. I remember very vividly a corporal at the academy doing something very shocking within the first few days and followed it by saying, "always be prepared people." The shock factor worked because I have not forgotten. The information that each of us is responsible for knowing is also crucial on the streets. If I cannot tell other officers where I am at how can I get help? If I don’t know my 10-codes how will I know when another officer is in a really bad situation and needs assistance?

It is more than crunch time. The stress level is up and still rising. We have worked hard to prepare, yet I still worry about being prepared enough. I try to keep in mind the reason we are in the academy: to learn. We are not expected to know everything but we are expected to come prepared and to come with the ability to give 100%.

APO Amy Hoehner

Latest Podcast: Emu Wrangle

Check out the latest podcast for your listening pleasure.

http://www.tpdpodcast.com/2007/08/02/emu-wrangle-street-stories-12/

Officers target panhandlers

(TULSA, Okla.) KOKI August 3 - Police held a special panhandler round up on Friday. Police say the worst spot in town is the intersection of 15th and Lewis.

The area has everything a panhandler wants according to police. Panhandlers can hold up a sign and with the amount of traffic in the area can get plenty of money. There's also a liquor store nearby and if the panhandler still needs cash a residential neighborhood is not far away.

But when the panhandler gets your money police say that’s when the trouble really starts.

Tulsans come across panhandlers all the time begging for anything you're willing to hand over. But police say keep your window rolled up.

Sgt. Rick Bondy says reports of panhandlers involved in violent brawls and drunken behavior are up all over town.

"It's time that something gets done. For the most part, they're drunk. They're accosting people for money and getting into fights. They're stealing beer and liquor," Sgt. Bondy says.

What Bondy will do is catch them in the act and haul them off to jail. And John 3:16 Mission homeless shelter director Steve Whitaker says jail is exactly where they belong.

"They're sheisters. They're hucksters. We've asked people for years. Please do not give money to them," Whitaker says.

Whitaker says many aren't homeless people, they're con artists.

"They're out to get what they can to feed a habit…if they're an alcoholic or other things," Whitaker says.

And that's the last thing Tulsa police want for Tulsa especially with tens of thousands of PGA fans coming to town.

Sgt. Bondy says, "if they get out, start causing trouble again, then we'll be back out."

Police will be out all weekend to do these round ups. If you have a problem with panhandling in your neighborhood they encourage you to report it.

Copyright KOKI Tulsa 2007.

Benefit today for cancer-stricken cop

By Tulsa World Staff Reports

8/2/2007

A fundraiser for a Tulsa police officer who is battling cancer will be held at a downtown pub and restaurant Thursday.

Officers and their families will attend the benefit for Detective Jim Smith, which begins at 5 p.m. at James E. McNellie's Public House, 409 E. First St. The public also is invited, Sgt. Mike Huff said.

All proceeds, including a $5 cover charge and a percentage of some beverage sales, will be donated to Smith and his family to ease the financial burden associated with his forthcoming medical treatment at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Smith has worked the graveyard shift as a Crime Scene Unit detective for several years, Cpl. Gene Watkins said. Recently he had not been sleeping well and appeared pale, and it was believed that the strain of the shift and the demands of the job may have been taking their toll.

When he went to the doctor, he was diagnosed with cancer, Watkins said.

Officer Jennifer Mansell is acting as hostess of the event. In September, a police fundraiser was held at McNellie's for Mansell, who is also battling cancer.

She serves as the city's downtown safety liaison, coordinating new programs and stepped-up patrols in the downtown area.

HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

The City of Tulsa has been fortunate this summer with lower than normal temperatures and abundant rainfall. This has helped to alleviate summer heat related illnesses that we typically face throughout the summer. But the near term weather forecasts all predict temperatures in the mid-90’s with heat indices above 100 degrees. Here are some important reminders in regard to protecting yourself from heat related illness:

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Increase your fluid intake to 16 to 32 ounces of fluid per hour of exposure to extreme heat. Avoid caffeine or alcohol containing beverages as they actually can interfere with your ability to replenish body fluids. Ordinary cool water is the best choice for fluid replacement, however if you are to be exposed to extreme heat for more than an hour or so, you must also replenish lost salt and minerals. The use of sports beverages can greatly increase your ability to replace lost salt and minerals. Avoid sports beverages with large amounts of sugars as they can cause stomach cramps. A practical cost effective way to replace lost salts and minerals is to mix your favorite sports beverage (Gatorade, PowerAde, etc.) to half strength with extra water. Also choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to assist with evaporative cooling.
2. Avoid sunburns and the long term risk of skin cancer by wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Wear a wide brimmed hat and use a sunscreen of at least an SPF of 30 that is broad spectrum.
3. Pace yourself and be aware of the common signs and symptoms of heat illnesses:
   • Persistently rapid heart beat.
   • Red, hot, dry skin or loss of the ability to perspire.
   • Throbbing headache.
   • Dizziness.
   • Nausea.
   • Confusion.
   • Weakness.
   • Muscle cramps.
4. If you experience any of the above:
   • Stop what you are doing.
   • Increase your fluid intake.
   • Move to a place to cool off, either into some shade, near a fan, or to an air conditioned vehicle or room. If you are unable to move to an air conditioned area, cool off with a damp towel, sponge or douse yourself with some water.

If you start to feel better, you should wait several hours to resume normal activities. If you do not start to improve after 30 minutes, you should seek medical treatment. If you experience or witness an episode of fainting, EMSA ambulance service should be contacted for emergency treatment and transport.

Crime, potholes frustrate Tulsans

By RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer

8/1/2007

Potholes and cops trump bike trails and low-water dams.

Illegal immigration, too.

They're bigger than education, jobs and taxes combined.

Asked to name Tulsa's most pressing problem, 32.4 percent of those surveyed for the latest Oklahoma Poll singled out streets and roads, and another 23.4 percent said crime, making them by far the most popular answers.

Illegal immigration, a hot topic in recent months, came in a distant third with 8.8 percent.

"The public money they're so wanting to spend on the river project could better be spent in other areas . . . to make Tulsa a more livable city," Roger Jones said. "There are always existing areas that need money without adding new ones."

Only 2.2 percent of the respondents said river development is Tulsa's most pressing problem, ranking it eighth behind jobs and economic development (6 percent), taxes (4.8 percent), education (4.4 percent) and lack of leadership (3.8 percent).

Carol Burleson, who lives near Third Street and Garnett Road, said streets in her neighborhood have buckled and storm water collects in "cesspools."

"We breed our own mosquitoes," she said. "I've called the city four straight years. Somebody comes out and looks it over, and says, 'We don't have any money.' "

Jones, who lives near Seventh Street and Sheridan Road, said he believes the city has grown faster than its street budget.

"Tulsa has been growing so far south, and they have to build streets there. But it's just one budget for building new streets and maintaining the old ones."

Jones said he might support a bond issue devoted to street repair but doesn't know if other voters would.

"If they would definitely earmark the tax for streets, I would imagine that it would pass," he said. "Everybody is concerned about streets."

Vicki Schweitzer has a different concern. She lives one block from the spot where two young people were shot to death and a third seriously wounded less than two weeks ago.

"I call the police just about on a weekly basis," she said.

She said gunfire is common at a nearby club and on July 4 pranksters along Lewis Avenue shot Roman candles at passing cars. The block she and her husband have lived on their entire lives, Schweitzer said, is increasingly affected by crime.

"If you'll come out here at 1:30 to 1:45 (a.m.), that's when it all starts," she said.

Schweitzer said Tulsa police have been courteous, but she would like to see more of them.

"We need to spend money fixing potholes and give police and firefighters enough for what they do," she said.

Janice Ruge, who lives near 15th Street and Garnett Road, said crime in her neighborhood is up sharply over the past four years.

"I live across the street from a park," she said. "I see a lot of activity -- drug activity, drinking, that kind of thing. Whenever I call into the non-emergency police number, they don't even come out. They mail you this little report thing to send back in. That's telling me they're spread pretty thin."

In addition to being asked about their most pressing concerns, respondents were asked to rate the job performance of the three Tulsa County commissioners and 1st District Congressman John Sullivan.

Sixty-five percent gave Sullivan passing marks, compared with just 20 percent who disapproved of his job.

The county commissioners' approval ratings were higher than their disapproval ratings, but Chairwoman Randi Miller was the only one with a majority having any opinion at all. Forty-six percent said she is doing a good job, 16 percent said a bad job and 39 percent had no opinion.

For Commissioner John Smaligo, 29 percent approved, 9 percent disapproved and 63 percent had no opinion.

For Commissioner Fred Perry, 34 percent approved, 6 percent disapproved and 60 percent had no opinion.

By RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. Format differs from original publication.

An article about Tulsa Police manpower levels:

http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A17721

Possible jail time for accidents caused by cell phones

(TULSA, Okla.) KOKI July 30 –

Many of us do it every day, talk on our cell phones while we drive.

But one state lawmaker wants jail time for those who talk, drive and cause an injury accident. Specifically, twenty days in jail.

A study found, when you talk on a cell phone while driving the brain actually locks up, and you almost go into a 'tunnel vision' of sorts.

And while many think banning cell phones entirely isn't a good idea, others think anything that helps you pay a little more attention to the road is a step in the right direction.

"She was the energy of this whole family, she was the life of this family", says Donna Sanders, whose daughter Jessalyn was killed by a driver who said he was reaching for his cell phone and never saw her. "For her little life to be cut short before it even really got a chance to start, it's been really hard on us."

"That's all it takes, the few seconds you're grabbing for your cell phone there's, anything can happen. Unfortunately we found that out the hard way."

That's why Jessalyn's family says they're fighting for any law that helps keep your

attention on the road. "I tell people I would much rather have to have somebody pay a ticket, go to jail for 20 days, than have to plan their six year old girls' funeral", Donna says.

The family says they don't think talking on cell phones should be banned and some drivers, like Clint Kirk agree. "I use my phone three or four times a day to talk to the hospital."

And while Clint says he thinks 20 days in jail is a little steep for causing an injury accident, he does agree people need to pay attention to the road. "That's a judgment call, some people can do it and some people obviously can't and there's a lot of traffic accidents I'm sure."

Right now the fine for inattentive driving starts at $150. That doesn't include other fines associated with the cause of an accident.

State Representative Paul Wesselhoft says he plans to introduce the new proposed legislation in February.

Several cities and states have some type of ban on cell phone usage, including New York, Washington D.C. and Colorado.

Copyright KOKI Fox 23 Tulsa 2007.