TPD Blog

Other Departments Join Tulsa Police Computer Project

Melissa McClendon
Staff Reporter

Locust Grove School Resource Officer Karen Hershberger and Police Chief Nathan Raith played Santa during the Christmas Holiday delivering refurbished computers to five Locust Grove families.

The computers were furnished by The North Pole Project, part of PC Power. PC Power was founded by

the late Glenn DeWeese, a retired Tulsa Police Officer. DeWeese began building the computers for needy children as a Christmas project in 2003.

The computers are donated. PC Power refurbishes them and then they are given to children who need a computer. The North Pole project, which is part of PC Power, is a partnership between the Tulsa Police Department and many other area law enforcement agencies around northeast Oklahoma.

On Dec. 21, officers, including SRO Hershberger, met at the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police Lodge to wrap the computers. Later the computers were delivered by officers in each community.

"We delivered three (computers) that evening," said Hershberger. On Christmas day, Hershberger and Chief Raith delivered the fourth computer. One computer remained to be delivered. Hershberger said they are still trying to get in touch with the family who will receive the computer.

"Thirteen children total in five families will benefit from the computers," Hershberger said. The children range in age from 2-15.

The children chosen to receive the computers were hand picked by the school resource officer with the help of the guidance counselors from the Locust Grove Public School system.

Hershberger said she spoke with each of the counselors and asked for the names of students who would benefit the most from having a home computer. Once five students were chosen, Hershberger had them fill out an application and submitted it to the North Pole Project. Each of the five students were awarded a computer.

Although this is the first time the Locust Grove P.D. has been involved in the North Pole Project, Hershberger said she would like to see it happen again.

"We’re going to try to do this as a yearly project for Christmas," Hershberger said.

To find out more about PC Power or the North Pole Project visit them online at www.tulsapcpower.org .

Click Here For the Project Details in Sand Springs.

Police Academy Class Enjoys Driver Training

Historically, law enforcement personnel have been given keys to a $20,000 vehicle and told to drive with no driving training of any kind. On the other hand, law enforcement officers are required to attend many hours of firearm instruction and required to re-qualify at least once a year. The number of officers that have been shot has decreased by 36% over the past three decades. The disturbing fact in these statistics is that, while shootings have fallen, more officers are dying in automobile accidents. The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund tracks fatalities and has determined that, "…in the decade ending last year, 477 officers died in auto accidents. That was up 29% from the 369 of the previous decade and 40% from the 342 killed in the decade before that." The reason for this trend is due to law enforcement departments only providing the bare minimum in driver training. Better driver training is essential to saving lives of police officers, (http://www.nleomf.com/)

More and more law enforcement personnel are killed in the line of duty in traffic collisions. In just two years cited, 1999 and 2003, collisions have killed more officers than those killed by means of guns. Due to the number of law enforcement collisions and fatalities involving vehicles, the Tulsa Police Department has been dedicated to training officers to reduce the severity of collisions and reduce the number of collisions all together.

I don't think I could stress enough the importance of driver training for law enforcement. In the academy we only spend one week learning everything we possibly can to protect the safety of the public, ourselves, and other officers while driving. As serious as this training is, the LEDT week has been by far the best week of the academy.

On Monday we jumped right into the driver seat and drove what is called the Challenge Course. This course has to be completed in 2:45 and tests all your basic driving skills at speeds that the average person would not drive. Only two people in my class passed the course without hitting anything and under time. It was obvious we had a long way to go.

The remaining hours of the day were spent learning the basics skills for officers. If you can picture the Shriners in their little cars at a parade that's what we looked like driving around the course. If we would have been cut loose after this day of training the citizens of Tulsa would have been very, very afraid. We killed more traffic cones than we saved.

The next two days were spent covering the basic skills at night. It was bad enough with the sun shining but with absolutely no illumination it was even worse. The day before I did pretty well but when the night drive started I really started to get frustrated. Of course, I was being too hard on myself but I knew that I needed to get it down before the test on Thursday.

Thursday started at 1:00 p.m. with the Challenge Course test and this time it counted. The time of killing cones and mowing the lawn with our cars was over. We each had to pass the test under 2:45 and we could not hit one cone. I think this was the most stressed I have ever seen the class. We paced around the grass and waited to hear everyone's fate. Let me throw in one more thing:  if we didn't pass under time and hit any cones within three attempts we would be sent home. Basically we could lose our job.

It was finally my turn and I was a nervous wreck. My instructor ensured me I wouldn't have any problems. I really wanted to believe him but I didn't. My time started and I don't remember a stinkin thing about my run. I just knew at the end I didn't hit anything, I passed with the first run, and my time was good. Talk about a sigh of relief.

Once everyone passed this course it was on to driving the Challenge Course at night. This was a ton of fun. The helicopter came out and we drove with two cars at a time. This is also where I owe every previous class that I dispatched for during LEDT an apology. Driving and calling the pursuit on the police radio is not easy at all.

Our final day started with a written test and then it was on to the Pursuit Course test. This course had the same rules but it was a runnin ton of fun to drive. I had no problem finding the long pedal on the right and loved every minute of it. We had the opportunity to drive the course several more times and it was just as much fun each time. 

The skills that we learned this week are by far some of the most important. Even if we are able to pass them on to family and friends to help save them while they are driving, it was well worth every minute. Captain Yates and the group of instructors he has put together are absolutely amazing. They proved why they sought after all over the nation. By far this was the best week of the academy.
More officers are killed in vehicle collisions than by gunfire. This in itself should be proof of why the training is so important. We had so much fun and learned more than we could have ever bargained for.

APO Amy Hoehner

Tulsa Police recruiting at QuikTrip

Reported by: Chris Cordt - KJRH News

What does it take to become a Tulsa Police Officer? How much does it pay? There's a new initiative to answer those questions and pin a badge on the best of the best.

The Police Department is passing out cards at all Tulsa QuikTrips. Each card at each store has the top ten frequently asked questions on the back. On the front is a message to those curious about protecting others. Officer Jesse Guardiola with the Tulsa Police Department says, "If you truly want peace, work for justice and that's what you do when you sign up with the Tulsa Police Department is you work for justice for people who can't work for themselves."

The city has budgeted for a class of 20 in 2008. Although hundreds from across the country may give it a shot, only the most dedicated will be accepted. New recruits go through 6 months of academy training and 4 months of field training before they are on their own. 

Safety first

By DAVID SCHULTE World Staff Writer
12/26/2007

More than 600 children are killed in pedestrian-related accidents each year, according to the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

Another 33,000 children a year are treated in emergency rooms in the United States because of such accidents.

Safe Kids and the Tulsa Police Department offer the following tips to protect children on the way to school:

-Make sure children younger than 10 years of age cross the street with an adult.

-Always walk facing traffic.

-Teach children to cross the street at a corner.

-Make sure children use crosswalks whenever possible and obey traffic signals.

-Teach children to look left, right and left again when crossing a street and continue looking for cars as they cross.

-Children should make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

-Advise children to stop, look and listen before crossing railroad tracks.

-Tell children to stay five giant steps away from the street when waiting for a bus.

-Make sure children cross at least 10 feet in front of a school bus.

-Have children wear white clothing or reflectors when walking at night.

Each year, more than 500,000 people are treated in emergency rooms in the United States because of bicycle-related injuries, according to www.neurosurgerytoday.org. In 2006, more than 65,000 received head injuries from riding a bike.The following precautions can help keep children safe while riding bicycles:

-Always wear a properly-fitted helmet that meets the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. A helmet should be worn center on top of the head, strapped and buckled. It should fit snugly.

-Ride with traffic flow and as far to the right as possible.

-Always obey traffic signals and lights.

-Look back and yield to traffic coming from behind before turning left. Use appropriate hand signals to alert cars and pedestrians when turning left or right.

-Watch out for potholes, cracks, rocks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks or anything that could make a cyclist lose control of the bike.

-The bike should fit the height, weight and age of the cyclist.

-Inflate tires properly.

-Check brakes before riding.

-Cyclists should ride behind one another and with the traffic flow.

-Avoid riding after dark. If nighttime riding is absolutely necessary, place reflector tapes or stickers on clothing and bicycles, and use a headlight to increase visibility.

Sources: Safe Kids; Tulsa Police Department

By DAVID SCHULTE World Staff Writer

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Christmas Safety Tips

The Tulsa Police Department would like to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.  As the holiday season comes to an end we would like to remind everyone of a few safety tips.

Disposing of Your Tree
If you are using a real tree, it is likely that it has become dry.  You should keep the tree away from the fireplace or any other source of fire.   For safety purposes, a dry tree should be discarded.

Trash Disposal
The week after Christmas is one of the busiest for our refuse department.  While it may be tempting to place the boxes from Christmas in front of your residence, we would recommend that you place everything in bags.  Large boxes should be broken down and then placed in bags.  Would be criminals may be given an opportunity if they are made aware of your newly obtained gifts.

This picture depicts what NOT to do following Christmas.

As we approach 2008, we would like to thank everyone for their commitment and service to this community.  We could not do our job without you doing yours and for that we sincerely thank you.

Captain Travis Yates
Tulsa Police Department
Headquarters Division

Police Help Kids Christmas Shop

December 8 - Some Tulsa kids spent time today Christmas shopping with the help of area police officers. More than 40 kids were paired with officers to buy Christmas gifts for their families. It's all a part of a program called Shop With a Cop. The cops help the kids make a list of everyone in their family who needs a Christmas present, and then helps them shop. Organizers say the Shop With a Cop

program uses nearly $5,000 each year to help brighten the Christmas holiday for more than 40 kids and their families. It's a win-win situation. The kids feel good about getting gifts for their family members, and it's also a good feeling for the officers who share their time. “It's about giving. Everybody out here is out here on their own time,” says Captain Karen Ford of the Tulsa Police Department, “It balances some of the bad we see, you always want to be able to see good stuff and this is one of the good things." The Fraternal Order of Police, the Rotary Club of Tulsa, and Wal-Mart sponsor the Shop With a Cop program.

Copyright FOX 23 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Know Thyself

Getting old can be tough, if not tragic considering all the ailments that await us as we reach the august of our lifetimes. Alzheimer's and dementia seem to me one of the worst of kinds suffering, or at least it's tough to be in good body and spirit, with a troubled mind.

I took a call the other night that left me baffled. An elderly woman, let's call her Jenny, reported that her husband Hank, had been missing. When I showed up Jenny was standing next to an elderly gentleman who said, "Yup, he's missing, we haven't seen Hank since yesterday."

Jenny said that Hank was last seen at a neighbor's house, so I went there to check. The neighbor said that Hank is sitting right there, outside his house. She pointed right at the gentleman I just spoke to, and said, “There he is.” Hmmm…

So, I went back over to talk to Jenny and the gentleman that was with her. Jenny insisted that she hadn't seen Hank since yesterday. The elder fella said the same.

I asked both of them for identification for the report, and that's when things started to make sense...or not. Jenny didn't recognize that the elderly man standing next to her was indeed her husband Hank. Hank didn't know he was Hank because he too was suffering from dementia.

Seems the two of them didn’t recognize each other, or at least, weren’t in their typical state of minds.

I tried for almost thirty minutes to convince Hank that he was Hank and to soothe Jenny’s fears that Hank was missing. No luck. And quite frankly, I didn’t know what to do. I was at a loss, and admittedly, I was certainly confused myself. I was starting to doubt my own self and wondering if all of this was some surreal dream, practical joke, or what?!

Fortunately, their daughter drove up the driveway. Instantly, Jenny greets her daughter and Hanks does the same. It was as if nothing had ever happened. The daughter thanked me for “finding” her father.

“He…uh…he…wasn’t…, I mumbled.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you,” she said.

“Uh, sorry…you’re welcome ma’am,” I said a bit loudly, instead of trying to explain. I walked to my police car, closed the door and wondered to myself what the heck just happened.

Everything that I knew and recognized seemed odd and out of place… I was lost, drifting around in my own reflective thoughts about my self, my own life, and where I was at the moment.

I thought about how we struggle finding ourselves as teenagers. How we wonder about defining ourselves in our twenties. Try convincing ourselves of our identities in our thirties. Comfort ourselves about what we could have done different in our forties. Briefly enjoy life in our fifties—while trying not to worry about growing old. Give in as our bodies and minds slow their pace in our sixties. And hope for ‘just another day’ as we bide the rest of our time.

A pitiful perspective, sure…but one with an unfortunate bit of reality to it. At the least, it reminded me of the joy, the splendor, and the utter necessity of living for the moment—every moment, every day—and being thankful for it.

The past weeks have left pasts of Tulsa in turmoil and plenty of people with their lives turned upside down (and shaken out). I’ve seen more cars flipped, houses crushed, and things stolen or damaged in two weeks than in almost two years put together.

But saliently, I’m again reminded of how important it is to know yourself, to live for the moment, and be thankful for it—without doling too much time to what you have not and what you have lost.

Easier said than done, but at the least, I’ve got something of promise for a New Year resolution.

Afterword
I’ve hoped that you have enjoyed reading some of my stories and thoughts throughout the year. I’m grateful that I was given the opportunity to share some musings, chuckles, fears, and frustrations with you and contribute to the Tulsa Police weblog.

I hope that you have a safe, truly wonderful and warm holiday season. And if I may, on behalf of my brother and sister officers, I wish you the best of luck and dreams for the New Year.

Officer Jay Chiarito-Mazzarella

Citizens Urged To Consider Options Before Removing Trees

Residents who are considering tree removal should consult a certified arborist before making a decision, a Parks Department official recommended today.

“Currently trees are dormant, and tree removal can wait until February or even early March,” said Max Wiens, interim director of the City of Tulsa Parks Department. “Remove the ‘hangers,’ broken branches which are hanging from the tree. Limbs and trunks that are obviously cracked should also be removed.”

Arborist certification can be confirmed at the following website, which maintains accurate and current membership lists by town, state or even zip code. The site is www.isa-arbor.com.

Home-owners should also make sure that the contractor is covered by liability and worker’s compensation insurance, to protect their assets in the event of injury to the worker as the job is performed.

“Not all trees need to be completely removed,” Wiens said. “There are many things to consider, such as how much of the tree canopy is damaged, where the tree is growing, the size of the tree and the root structure.”

Additional websites recommended by Tulsa Parks arborists that address damage to trees, bushes and shrubs include:  www.tulsamastergardeners.org,  www.arborday.org, www.forestry.ok.gov, and www.treesafterthestorm.org.

I Can’t Wait for More

Anxious, excited, and nervous are only a few words that describe the emotional roller coaster that I have been experiencing over the past several weeks. We are nearing the end; only eight more weeks. It seems so surreal. For many years I have worked to be where I am right now and in eight weeks, assuming I don’t mess something up completely, I will be wearing the TPD blue and the badge.

Over the past several weeks nothing has gotten any easier. November 19th the class began week 15 with what we thought was another day at the range. We learned quickly how fast things could change. After shooting some, we were addressed by several competitive shooters and instructors. Sgt. Eckert then told us that we would be assisting in the search for Cori Baker.

This was the first time that we, as a class, were really able to be a part of something significant in the Tulsa community. Once we arrived in the area in which we were going to search, we broke up into groups and searched specific areas. The areas consisted of open fields, overgrown pasture, and wooded terrain. Unfortunately the search was to no avail. I know that in the back of my mind I wished something would have been discovered, even if it were a piece of clothing. After being a part of the search, I could only attempt to imagine the pain and frustration the Baker family is experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family throughout this time.

The following week was learning a skill we will use all the time, Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST). Until this point I never realized there was such a science behind these tests. Even with all the technical information, this class was a lot of fun. The first day was all classroom instruction and reviewing of the individual tests. It was time to put what we had learned thus far to the test. For two days we actually participated in a drinking lab where we performed SFST on individuals who had been drinking. This was a very valuable training tool. I have to say though I quickly realized, yep, I really am a rookie. I stumbled through the instructions along with everything else. It all turned out well in the end. It was just a matter of getting there.

Traffic collisions were a topic that I wasn’t sure if I was looking forward to or not. Cpl. Collum came in with a group of instructors that truly made traffic collisions interesting. Obviously there is math and physics involved in collisions (which either one I ever cared to learn anymore about). Put that stuff in front of me and it’s like trying to put a square peg in a round hole.  I actually walked away making sense out of the formulas and what we are supposed to do with them.

Once we got through the how-to’s, we got into the meat of working the collisions. The report forms are long and it does take time to learn what goes where and how to properly fill out the forms. We also got a head start on report writing as the instructors taught us the collisions report forms on the laptop computers. The computer form is much easier but I still had to figure out what to “x”, what to number, and what to even fill in for that matter. By the end of the week I really enjoyed collisions. Now I have no doubt that I may change my mind when I’m standing on the side of a roadway with cars driving by at 70 mph.

A slight change in schedule for this past week is an understatement. As most Tulsans know the area was hit hard and fast by an ice storm on December 9. There were downed power lines and trees throughout Northeast Oklahoma. I can only describe my neighborhood and it resembled the remnants of a tornado. As the class gathered in a classroom outside the academy due to a power outage it was decided that we would be assigned to an academy staff member. Our job was to assist the uniform divisions in blocking and redirecting traffic. I have to say after a fourteen-hour day I was ready to go home to a warm house Unfortunately my power was out like everyone else’s.

On Tuesday we were again assigned to another officer but this time it was a detective. We spent our time going to different businesses and talking to business owners. I learned a lot this day. I am really appreciative to have been assigned the detective that I was. On the same note I really appreciated the time we were able to spend talking to local business owners. As small of a difference that we may have made, I hope that someone was able to sleep a little better knowing that someone was looking out for them.

The week was ended with the classroom portion of law enforcement driver training (LEDT). Several years I have spent looking forward to this block. I’ve spent a lot of time learning and researching different aspects of LEDT. I even wrote my senior thesis using the TPD LEDT program as my specific group in which I studied. So I think it’s easy to say I’m “ate up” with it.

Starting Monday December 17th we start actually driving. I don’t know of anyone that could argue that driving a police car at high speeds wouldn’t be some of the most fun you could ever have.

With only eight weeks to go it’s hard to relax even a little. I can testify to the fact that you are your own worst critic. I wonder what I may mess up before it’s all said and done. Over the past four weeks I’ve been chased by cows in fields, watched intoxicated people fall all over themselves, and frozen, all by no choice of my own. All that to say, “I can’t wait until February 8th to get some more.”

APO Amy Hoehner

PC Power Donates Computers

Christmas came a few days early for dozens of families Friday. Volunteers from eight local law enforcement agencies wrapped up refurbished computers and delivered them to 85 needy families.

The computer giveaway project, called the "North Pole Computer Project", began five years ago by the

non-profit group "PC Power". Since then, thousands of unwanted computers have been fixed up and delivered to those who otherwise couldn't afford one.

"The on-duty police officers who make the deliveries get the opportunity to see the people in a good setting," says Harry Stege. "And, they enjoy the deliveries as much as the people who receive them do."
This year's computer giveaway has special meaning to the volunteers. The founder of PC Power, Glen DeWeese, died last week.

"Glen was an organ donor," Stege says. "And, someone got a large heart."

And, the memory of that large heart lives on. DeWeese's daughters and grandchildren helped deliver Christmas joy to a 14-year-old boy named Tyrone.

"How are you going to use it?"
"Homework, mainly I guess."

This year, Tyrone will be one of more than two hundred children who will get a computer from the North Pole Computer Project.

If you'd like to donate your old computer to PC Power, call 918-808-5419 or visit www.tulsapcpower.org.

Copyright KTUL 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Theft Device Found On ATM

By DEON HAMPTON World Staff Writer
12/22/2007

Police are warning consumers to be aware of any suspicious devices on automatic teller machines they are using.

A "card-skimming device" and a hidden camera recently were found attached to an ATM in Tulsa.

The devices were affixed to the exterior of the machine in such a way that they looked like legitimate parts of the ATM, police said.

A card skimmer is an electronic device that captures the data stored on ATM cards' magnetic strips as the cards are inserted into the machine. The data can be used to produce duplicate or "clone" cards for fraudulent transactions.

Hidden cameras can be used to monitor a person's keystrokes on an ATM's keypad to acquire the user's personal identification number.

Officials said the devices have been found on ATMs around the country but that this is the first time one has been noticed in Oklahoma.

"These type of scams have been around for years," said Officer Jason Willingham, a Tulsa Police Department spokesman. "It's just a different form."

In the past, thieves have

"shoulder surfed," or watched from a short distance away as people entered their personal identification numbers in ATMs.

With the card-skimming technology, the thieves are able to retrieve PINs and information encoded on ATM cards' magnetic strips from remote locations.

Willingham wouldn't confirm whether any local ATM users were victimized or disclose the location of the modified ATM.

Any victims would have been notified by their banks, he said.

People who think their cards have been compromised or who suspect that such a device might be on a machine should contact their financial institutions, police say.

For additional information about the scam, police are referring readers to the Snopes urban-legend Web site, which can be found online at Snopes.  Additional Information can be found at Bank Rate.

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Deon Hampton 581-8413
deon.hampton@ tulsaworld.com

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Avoid becoming a skimming victim

• Keep your PIN safe. Don’t give it to anyone.
• Watch out for people who try to “help” you at an ATM.
• Look at the ATM before using it. If it doesn’t look right, don’t use it.
• If an ATM has any unusual signs, don’t use it. No bank would hang a sign that says,“Swipe your ATM here before inserting it in the card reader,” or something to that effect.
• If possible, use the same ATM so you will recognize if something on the machine looks different.
• If your card is not returned after the transaction or after pressing cancel, immediately contact the institution that issued it.
• Check your statements to be sure there are no unusual withdrawals.
  
  
  
  Source: Tulsa Police Department

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Bad Weather Scams

Because of the recent bad weather the Tulsa Police Department would like to remind citizens to be aware of scams. During  times like this, criminals will target the elderly and the most vulnerable in our society. The Police Department  would like to provide a few tips to avoid being scammed.

Never allow strangers inside your home.
Ask "officials" to produce identification and confirm their alleged employment.
Contact the utility company by telephone if any employee wants to enter your home or asks you to go outside with them.
Beware of unsolicited home repairmen.

If you do request services:

" Check with the Better Business Bureau.
" Ask for references and call them.
" Get several repair estimates and compare prices (if possible).
" Be suspicious of high pressure tactics.
" Write down the license plate number of any suspicious vehicle(s) the suspect(s) may be operating.
" Talk with a trusted friend or relative before making major money decisions (if possible).
" Pay by check so you can stop payment if you are dissatisfied.
" If possible never pay cash. 
" If you do pay cash don't pay up-front.

Retired Officer & Founder of PC Power Dies

TULSA — Glenn DeWeese won't be there Friday when his organization donates more than 80 refurbished computers to at-risk children. He won't be there to watch their faces light up as they rip the Christmas wrapping from their very own computer, and he won't be there to see parents who could not afford such a gift, mouth an inaudible "thank you" as they wipe beneath their eyes.

He won't be there, but his presence will be felt for years.

DeWeese, a 58-year-old retired Tulsa police officer, died suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday as the nonprofit organization he founded, PC Power, made final preparations to deliver Christmas computers during the fifth annual North Pole Computer Project.

Family members, Tulsa police officials and PC Power supporters met Monday to try to figure out the future of the project started by DeWeese before he left the force.

From trash to treasure

The idea for PC Power was born in October 2003, when DeWeese was helping his grandson with some homework.

The homework assignment required an Internet search.

But long after the simple search was finished, and the homework was done, the assignment continued to bother DeWeese.  He had a computer and knew enough about computers to help his grandson. But what about those families who couldn't afford a family computer? How did those children do their homework assignment?

It didn't take him long to realize that things don't get any better by wondering about them. So he decided to go to work, with a goal of rebuilding 10 discarded computers before Christmas and delivering them to families in need.

That's where his supervisor, Capt. Karen Ford, came in.

"This was something Glenn was doing in preparation for his retirement," Ford said. "He worked for me at that time, and I thought it was a great idea, and I knew I would try to give him all the support I could."

Christmases past and present

With the help of dozens of friends, family and volunteers who believed in his dream, PC Power was able to complete 38 computers that first Christmas. In just three months, they nearly quadrupled DeWeese's original goal.

The Tulsa Police Department agreed to let on-duty officers in marked patrol cars deliver the computers.

Organizers estimated that first delivery would be used by 120 children and would have cost about $12,000 to buy the same equipment and software.

Today, DeWeese's PC Power program has evolved into a year-round project that will provide computers for more than 750 families this year.

Ford said she's never delivered computers because she is usually behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. But she's heard the stories.

"They say the smiles on the faces of the kids can light up the whole room," she said. "And the parents are also really grateful because they know what a big impact this can have on the lives of their children."

Many people will recall a day when having a personal computer at home was considered a luxury, but Ford said that is no longer the case.

"Nowadays, it's pretty much a necessity," she said. "But it's a necessity that a lot of people can't afford."

Christmas future

It was always DeWeese's desire for PC Power to continue after he was gone, Ford said.

"This Friday, close to 85 families will receive a computer," she said. "Our first mission is to do that for Glenn."

After that, they can turn their attention toward mourning the loss of their friend and loved one who will be laid to rest Saturday.

As for the future of PC Power, Ford said several people have been involved in the project since the beginning, and they intend to keep it going.

"That's what Glenn would have wanted," she said. "He had some health problems and knew he would not always be there, but this was unexpected."

She describes her friend as someone who always put service above self.

"He was just a great person," she said. "He always thought of others — I mean, look at this program. And on top of all of that, he was also an organ donor, so when this happened ... he was here for one reason — to help people.

Visit PC Power Website

By:  Johnny Johnson, Daily Oklahoman

Copyright Daily Oklahoman 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Tulsa Officer Gets National Honor

TOP COP Sgt. Stephanie Jackson: She is the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month for December for her actions in drawing a woman armed with several knives away from bystanders.

A Tulsa police officer received a national honor this week for her work with the Tulsa community and her actions that potentially saved several lives.

Sgt. Stephanie Jackson was selected as the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's Officer of the Month for December.

The award recognizes federal, state and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty, according to a Tulsa Police Department news release.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.

Jackson received the award for her actions in January 2006, when she responded to a call and was able to draw a woman armed with several knives away from bystanders, saving them from injury.

The woman continued to approach Jackson, backing her up against a gate, while threatening her with the knives, and Jackson fatally shot her. The District Attorney's Office later ruled the shooting justified.

Jackson also was nominated for her work with the community, organizing more than 700 community events within a year.

"While community policing is not new to the department, Sergeant Jackson has taken it to another level," wrote Tulsa Police Capt. Travis Yates. "Whether it is placing child seats in cars or telling the public how to prevent crimes, Sergeant Jackson is the model that every officer should reach for."

Jackson, who received an award for her work earlier this year from the Insurance Women of Tulsa organization, said she was surprised when she learned that she had won the national award.

"It's great," she said. "I love making a difference. It's amazing to be honored. I was overwhelmed by the first one -- then this."

Jackson said she hopes to continue her work with the community and help launch a program to help youths seek alternatives to violence during confrontations.

"You can do whatever you want," she said. "Your future is not determined by now; it's what you do with now."

Visit The National Law Enforcement Memorial Page

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Clifton Adcock 581-8367
clifton.adcock@tulsaworld.com

By CLIFTON ADCOCK World Staff Writer

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Search Warrants (or Faith, Love & Trust Revisited)

Serving a search warrant can be exhilarating or downright disappointing. It's great when you put in hours of surveillance, make a dozen arrests, serve a search warrant on a place, and strike the mother-lode of dope, guns, and people who need to stay in a penitentiary. Other times, it can be near heart-breaking: putting in the same hours, effort, and diligence only to yield an empty apartment with nothing more than felonious dust mites.

But there is something of a coincidence with search warrants. That is, when you typically observe criminal activity someplace, there's likely to be a "Scarface"-sized mound of blow (cocaine), a griddle pan worth of crack, and enough meth to make half of Tulsa's teeth grind for weeks. There's also likely enough people with guns inside you'd think the gun show had been rescheduled. And there's also typically enough people parading around in and out of the place with their crack pipe held high like they were leading the parade with a band leader's baton. You're practically waiting for the Snoopy balloon to come out any second, like it was a Thanksgiving Day parade.

But all that changes the second you type up a search warrant, go before a judge, and have a signed, search warrant in hand. It's truly one of those superstitiously, coincidentally weird kind of things. Like when you want something to happen, you think about the opposite, to "outsmart" whatever unknown-but all seeing-being is defining your luck for you.

Anyway, the other night I was preparing to serve a search warrant on a place that needed to be shut down. Way too many crack junkies, dopers, smokers, and idiots with guns were coming in and out of the place. The drug dealers inside were way too comfortable with their operation, and way too brazen. I had arrested them before, trafficking crack cocaine. I had arrested them before for carrying guns. And I had seen so many hand-to-hand drug transactions in the doorway; it was like the patrons were waiting in line to get to Theater 12 on the left to see some blockbuster Hollywood movie.

But now that I have a search warrant-guess what happens? The couple involved in dealing drugs had spent months together in a seemingly blissful relationship. I'm sure they've spent months together, faithfully knowing that they'd be getting high and smoking crack each time they awake in each other's stoned-out arms. Undoubtedly, their love was confirmed each time they counted their drug money together and made promises of bigger plasma TVs, whiter new sneakers, and shinier car rims for each other. And they trustfully became more secure in their relationship each time they passed the crack pipe, knowing that the one wouldn't take a huge hit and leave none for the other: faith, love and trust, indeed.

And as the ink from the judge's signature on the search warrant dried, it must have happened…with a search warrant in my pocket, and much-needed help from a slew of top-notch special investigations detectives, we stormed the door. We soon discover that the couple's bliss tragically came to an end. They got stoned (probably on some psychedelic concoction) and had a hole-in-the-wall, window-smashing, "I-hate-you-get-out," domestic brawl. They left. And left all that faith, love, and trust shattered behind them. They'd been together for years, but tonight, just 15 minutes before we serve the search warrant, they've gotta have a fight and call it quits. Figures…

(Next time, I'm going to repeatedly say aloud, "I don't have a search warrant…I do NOT have a search warrant," just so I can hopefully psyche out whichever Demi-God of Fortune and Coincidence may be listening.)

Officer Jay Chiarito-Mazzarella

City Of Tulsa Response To Ice Storm

KOTV - 12/10/2007

The ice storm that hit Tulsa Sunday caused widespread damage throughout the city and neighboring communities on Monday. The following information was provided to The News On 6 by the city of Tulsa regarding its response to the ongoing weather event.

City Police, Fire, Public Works and other departments are working overtime to deal with the tremendously high volume of calls for emergency assistance and for assistance with removing tree limbs that block streets and driveways.

Mayor Kathy Taylor, joined by the heads of several City departments and by representatives from Tulsa County, Tulsa City-County Health Department, EMSA, the Red Cross and other service agencies continue to work in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to direct responses as needed.

Thousands of calls have been made to the City’s 911 operators requesting police, fire, medical and other assistance.

Tulsa firefighters have responded to more than 50 structural fires since the storm began. One smoke-inhalation fatality was reported. One person died Monday when their vehicle struck a downed power line and brought a power pole down on the vehicle.

At 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Tulsa police had 76 uniformed officers patrolling streets. They were assisted by 65 detectives, academy staff and recruits and other police officers taking calls and looking for hazardous situations.

Public Works had 30 crews removing tree debris and checking bridges and overpasses for ice.

“All agencies are working diligently to deal with the needs of citizens,” said Mayor Taylor. “We will continue to monitor weather conditions and to direct operations as long as needed from the EOC.”

“I want to urge everyone to be very cautious in coming days,” the mayor said.

The Mohawk Water Treatment Plant is without power. Output has been increased at the A.B. Jewell Water Treatment Plant, but Tulsans are being asked to conserve water and use it only for necessary purposes until full power is restored at all treatment plants.

PSO is working to restore power to all hospitals and water and sewer treatment plants. A PSO spokesman said he expects to have power restored at those critical places by the end of the day.

All flights were cancelled today at Tulsa International Airport which was without power. Power has now been restored at the airport buildings, but a regular flight schedule won’t resume until Tuesday. Passengers are urged to contact their individual carriers to inquire about rescheduling.

SAFETY: Officials offer the following advice:

Stay at home and inside your home. Trees and many active power lines are down throughout the Tulsa area. It is hazardous to travel right now.”

Do not touch any downed tree limbs or power lines. Do not attempt to remove limbs yet; trees and power lines are unstable and may fall. Stay away from fences – energized power lines could activate a fence line throughout a neighborhood.

If you must travel today, drive slowly and increase your stopping distance. Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. Pack blankets, water, food items and a phone to take with you.

Traffic lights are out at many intersections. Some may not yet have temporary four-way stop signs positioned. Treat all intersections as a four-way stop. Stop, and look in all directions before cautiously proceeding through the intersection.

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only. Please do not hang up if you call, your call will be answered in the order in which it was received.

The Tulsa Police Department is on Operation Slick Streets. If you have a non-injury accident, do not call 911; police will not respond. Instead, exchange insurance information with the other driver and complete a accident report. Forms are available at Tulsapolice.org or area QuikTrips.

Tulsa City-County Health Department would caution citizens to keep their refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food can spoil within 4-6 hours.

More money for anti-gang patrol

  Reported by: Abbie Alford
Email: aalford@fox23.com
Last Update: 12/06 10:39 pm 

Fox 23 News, Tulsa.

You might be surprised to know there are more than 1,200 gang members roaming our city streets, but only 10 Gang Unit officers.

Tonight the City Council approved more than $76,000 dollars for the Tulsa city and county anti-gang initiative.

It's part of the project Safe Neighborhood Program.

Edith Shoals’ daughter was shot in killed in a car jacking more than 15 years ago.

Now Edith, founder of Families of Murdered Children, is determined to keep kids off the street.

“A lot of them are talented babies, you'd be surprised," but Edith says for some kids all they know is the gang life, “I can't say it's the school I can say it's the homes."

That’s why she's encouraging Tulsa to step up and do something about gang violence.

"If we can find those baby's, keep them busy, we need skate lands over here, we need bowling alleys, we need movie theaters, we need celebration stations, but you see a lot of them can't get to these places so they hang around on the streets."

Tulsa police say they still need your help.  They want to know who's doing the tagging, who's stepping on who's turf, and who's doing the shooting, and that takes the work of good witnesses.

Tulsa Police say parents can be the first to notice if their kids are in a gang.

If your child insists on wearing only one color, or if it's a hint of a certain color like North Carolina blue shoelaces, or a necklace, it could be a sign of gang activity.

If you do notice these signs, start talking to your kids.

In HB 1804's first month, no Tulsa arrests

By NICOLE MARSHALL & CURTIS KILLMAN World Staff Writers
12/9/2007

The number of local immigration detentions has fallen since September, law enforcers say.

Tulsa law enforcement leaders say it has been business as usual in the month since a new immigration law took effect.

No arrests for violations of the law, known as House Bill 1804, have been made in the city, they said last week.

The law, passed in the Legislature's last session, makes it a felony to knowingly transport illegal aliens, requires proof of citizenship to receive certain government benefits and creates barriers to hiring illegal immigrants. After July 1, it will require contractors to check the immigration status of workers.

Chief Deputy Tim Albin of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office and Tulsa Police Chief Ron Palmer said one of their main goals has been to dispel rumors and educate people about law officers' role in enforcing the law.

Palmer said, "We are continuing to work with the Hispanic community to get this information out and let them know that even though some people believe we are making wholesale 1804 arrests, the TPD has made no 1804 arrests in the 30-day period following the enactment of the law."

Surge in June, then decline: Albin said the number of people held in the Tulsa Jail on immigration issues jumped in June for several reasons, including increased cooperation between jail workers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Those immigration detainers -- orders to hold a prisoner -- have nothing to do with the state law.

A Tulsa World analysis of jail records shows that the number of immigration detentions has decreased each month since September.

In November, the month HB 1804 took effect, 105 people were booked into the jail on immigration detainers.

The number of people jailed on such detainers was 133 in October and 143 in September. In August, 110 immigration detainees were booked into the jail.

Albin said "all the moons lined up, so to speak" at the beginnning of June.

The Sheriff's Office entered into a partnership with ICE that allows deputies to access ICE records directly. Deputies can also place and release detainers on inmates who are in violation of immigration laws.

Political leaders were also weighing in on the issue in June.

After the City Council approved a resolution on the matter, Mayor Kathy Taylor issued a policy clarification that month stating that police will conduct immigration checks on all people who are arrested on complaints of felonies and full-custody misdemeanors.

U.S. Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla., called for the policy clarification.

About that time, several high-profile cases exposed holes in the system when undocumented immigrants were booked into the jail and released on bond.

"We decided we have got to figure out how to address this, and many agencies came together to do just that," Albin said.

But the reason for the decrease in holds during the last few months is not as obvious, he said.

Those numbers could fluctuate because of law enforcement task forces targeting certain types of crimes, he said. Also, jail populations are cyclical, so numbers may change based on "many things that are happening outside the jail," he said.

Albin also noted that many people who are being held now for federal immigration officials have been in the jail before, released on bond and arrested again on warrants.

Reasons for arrests: In all, 5 percent of all people booked into the Tulsa Jail in November had complaints that included ICE detainers.

Driving-related issues snared most of those held for ICE.

Failure to have a driver's license was the chief arrest complaint among the detainees, with 84 people booked last month on that offense.

Having no proof of vehicle liability insurance ranked second, with 55 people booked on that complaint.

Nearly one in four of those held for ICE in November -- 23 -- were booked on complaints that included driving under the influence.

A handful of those with immigration holds were also facing more serious charges.

Seven face various sexual assault charges.

"We are trying to arm people with facts so that they can make good decisions," Palmer said.

"If you are driving drunk, if you are driving without a driver's license . . . or even committing the smallest traffic violations, if you can't produce valid ID to satisfy the court of who you are to ensure your appearance in court, the likelihood is that you will be detained," he said.

"At that point, if there is still a question about the ID, the likelihood of you being checked with ICE is really pretty good based upon what the Sheriff's Department is doing with their agreement with ICE agents."

Crime victims protected: One misconception is that illegal immigrants who are victims of crime will automatically be deported if they notify authorities. That's not true, Albin said.

He cited as an example a case that led Tulsa deputies to arrest two illegal immigrants, Pedro and Rosalio Morin, last month on complaints alleging that they sexually assaulted a female relative, who is 11.

The girl -- who told detectives that she had been molested since she was 7 -- and her family are also in this country illegally, he said.

Charges have not yet been approved against the Morin brothers, who remain in custody. If charges are approved, county detectives and ICE agents can start considering what they can do to help the girl and her family obtain legal status while the case progresses through the courts.

There is a path to permanent status for crime victims, Albin said, but many factors must be considered and each case is viewed individually.

Palmer said police have also been explaining to Hispanic residents that police will not target them because of their race.

They have encouraged people who believe they were targeted because of racial bias to file complaints, and they have assured them that their immigration status will not be checked if they do so.

Such complaints "have not been appreciatively higher" since the law took effect, Palmer said.

The department has handed out hundreds of cards to Hispanic residents explaining the difference between a ticketed arrest and an in-custody arrest, he said.

"We think we are making some progress in regard to the fear factor," Palmer said.

"There are still people concerned out there, but there are still people out there who are in fact driving without a license and driving without insurance, and that fact can't be denied."

Nicole Marshall 581-8459
nicole.marshall@tulsaworld.com

Curtis Killman 581-8471
curtis.killman@tulsaworld.com

By NICOLE MARSHALL & CURTIS KILLMAN World Staff Writers

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Latest Safe City Initiative Podcast - Please have a listen!

http://www.tpdpodcast.com/2007/12/07/safe-city-part-iii-tpd-talks-11/

Safe City officers keep malls secure

By CLIFTON ADCOCK World Staff Writer
12/7/2007

A TPD official says police here are trained for situations like Wednesday's killings at a Nebraska mall.

Wednesday's shooting spree in an Omaha, Neb., mall is an example of why officers in the Tulsa Police Department's Safe City Initiative and police reserves are keeping a high profile around Tulsa's two shopping malls during the holiday season, said police Capt. Matt Kirkland.

Since the Friday after Thanksgiving -- the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season -- Safe City Initiative officers have increased patrols in the parking lots and public areas around Woodland Hills Mall and the Tulsa Promenade, Kirkland said.

Tulsa police officers have been training for incidents similar to the Omaha shooting for years, and those on the Safe City Initiative carry mall security radios along with their normal police radios, he said. That would enable them to respond to such incidents almost instantly, rather than waiting for the call to go through 911 and a police dispatcher.

''It's something we thought about a long time ago,'' he said. ''If something were to occur inside the mall, immediately there would be officers rushing in the nearest entrance to deal with it.''

Although security procedures at Woodland Hills are not publicly disclosed, the mall does work with law enforcement to ensure that appropriate security measures are taken, Director of Mall Marketing Jenna Rupprecht wrote in a prepared statement.

Tulsa Police Deputy Chief Dennis Larsen said that ''in light of what happened in Omaha, we want high visibility with police cars and men and women in uniform they (potential criminals) can see when coming into a retail store.''

Not only does the high visibility discourage random violence, but it also gives shoppers a sense of safety, he said.

Kirkland noted that ''holiday shoppers and crowded parking lots with cars full of goodies make a tempting target for criminals.''

The presence of the Tulsa Police Department's reserve officers at the Tulsa Promenade has helped reduce the number of thefts around that location, Larsen said.

''Seven days a week in the evening, . . . our TPD reserves have launched their own Safe Shopper program," he said. "We've had virtually no crime in that area.''

Reserve officers have made several arrests and issued several traffic and parking citations to try to keep holiday traffic flowing smoothly, Larsen said.

In addition, a federal grant is providing money for full-time officers to work overtime, Kirkland said.

The result has been a dramatic decrease in the amount of crime at the malls at a time when the targeted areas usually see a rise in crime, Kirkland said, adding that only one auto theft has been reported there since the increased patrols began.

The only purse-snatching that has occurred at the Promenade so far during the increased enforcement ended with the thief being caught as he attempted to get away, Larsen said. Last year, in comparison, a significant number of purses were snatched in that area, he said.

''They (reserve officers) are allowing us to do a whole lot more with the same number of full-time officers,'' he said. ''I've been inundated with calls from retailers about how pleased they are. It's been so impressive. I can't see us not doing it again and again.''

Clifton Adcock 581-8367
clifton.adcock@tulsaworld.com

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Maurer, Lewandowski Promoted and Retired Officer Crow sworn in as a Reserve Officer

Congratulations to Terry Maurer promoted to Sergeant.

Congratulations to Tim Lewandowski promoted to Corporal.

Congratulations to retired Officer Chuck Crow who was sworn in as a Tulsa Police Reserve Officer. Thank you for your continued service.

Family gets their first Christmas Tree

When Officer Jennifer Mansell learned of the family who wished for a Christmas tree, and the little boy who had never had a Christmas Tree, she went to work. A short time later, with a little bit of help from some other Tulsa Police officers, they surprised this little boy with his very own Christmas tree.

Officers Ashley and Willingham pitched in to help the family decorate it.

See the news story here:

http://www.tulsapolice.org/Videos/XmasTree/XmasTreeCable.wmv

And following are some photos.

The Tulsa Police Department welcomes any help you can give for radio station KVOO's "Christmas Crusade."

http://www.kvoo.com/Home/MusicNews/tabid/699/xmid/16631/Default.aspx

HB 1804: State Immigration Reform

By MICK HINTON World Capitol Bureau
12/5/2007

GOP senator wants parts of law repealed

OKLAHOMA CITY — A Republican state senator called Tuesday for repeal of sections of House Bill 1804, a sweeping immigration reform effort.

Provisions of the new law “essentially throw farmers and business owners under the bus,” Sen. Harry Coates said in a prepared statement.

He called for repealing provisions dealing with harboring and transporting illegal immigrants.

“I think people in the Legislature, the business community, private citizens and churches of many denominations are beginning to realize that this legislation is having an extremely negative impact on our state in many areas,” said Coates, R-Seminole.

Since the bill became law last month, Coates said he has received numerous phone calls from farmers, business owners and contractors.

“They want to know where the replacement workers will come from to fill the jobs resulting from the recent exodus of the immigrant worker, and they are angry with the Legislature for putting good politics ahead of good policy,” Coates said.

Rep. Randy Terrill, chief author of the bill, said that Coates’ proposal is “absurd.”

Terrill said his legislation “continues to enjoy the strong, overwhelming, bipartisan support of the people of Oklahoma.”

“You can count on me to do everything to make sure that Coates’ proposals are not successful,” he said.

Terrill said the harboring provisions mirror what is already federal law. The state law extends to Oklahoma law officers the ability to enforce that law, at a time when federal immigration officers are scarce, he added.

Sen. James Williamson, R-Tulsa, who sponsored HB 1804 in the Senate, said Coates made the same floor arguments before the bill was passed by the Legislature.

Williamson said the law does not force employers to check the legal status of new workers through a national verification system. However, hiring an illegal immigrant could subject the employer to a lawsuit if the employer has fired an American citizen to open up the job. This provision is effective July 1.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Drew Edmondson told the governor’s Hispanic advisory council on Monday that his office was compelled to represent the state in a case challenging the law’s constitutionality.

“In some cases, we enter into those defenses because we are required. In this case, we are defending the law because we are obligated,” said Edmondson, a Democrat.

Edmondson said he did not think the law would be overturned.

Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, criticized Edmondson for reportedly saying a proposal to expand HB 1804 was “cruel.”

“I find the attorney general’s comments a slap in the face to all the people who work hard and play by the rules in this state,” Duncan said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Mick Hinton (405) 528-2465
mick.hinton@tulsaworld.com

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Police relations panel due

By P.J. LASSEK World Staff Writer
12/1/2007

The mayor says it will help police and community dialogue.

Mayor Kathy Taylor is creating the Mayor's Police and Community Coalition, a committee to address police and community relations.

"A lot of times these type of issues are issues of a lack of communication," Taylor said. "I want to build a relationship that creates a dialogue and trust between police and community."

Taylor said the committee will be a place where people can feel safe talking about the citizen complaint process, community partnership and issues relating to bias-based profiling.

She said the issues facing Tulsa are not unique and that "we think it is time to really address it."

"When looking at a sustain able way to prevent crime, it all begins with the community and Police Department working together," Taylor said. "We have to have a formal way for an enhanced dialogue and trust-building."

Taylor said the committee will be made up of a diverse group of 30 people, including four city councilors and representatives from the Police Department, the city's Human Rights Department and various civic, race and religious groups.

The committee will meet in December and set priorities for activities, goals and ground rules.

"If there are issues from the Police Department or the community, this will be the group that facilitates communication," Taylor said.

Committee members will go through a version of the Police Department's academy to gain an understanding of what police officers do and face on the job.

Taylor said recommenda tions from a task force several years ago suggested such a committee.

In 2003, then-Mayor Bill LaFortune created the Mayor's Community Partnership Group to serve as a communication link between police and the community.

At that time, LaFortune said the task force's recommendation of a community partnership addressed a consent decree requirement that the city adopt and implement specific policies to promote a partnership between police and residents.

The consent decree, approved in 2003, settled a class-action discrimination lawsuit brought by black police officers against the city.

Taylor said she doesn't know who was on LaFortune's committee or what happened to it but that her committee is independent of that one and the consent decree.

P.J. Lassek 581-8382
pj.lassek@tulsaworld.com

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Mobilizing Tulsa: One street at a time

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
12/2/2007

Plans for streets to surface soon

Expect some creative ideas to help Tulsa overcome more than $600 million in backlogged street repairs, said leaders of a citizens panel scheduled to give its investigative report to the mayor and the City Council this week.

“We have several of what I think are solid recommendations that our city leaders need to look seriously at,” said Dewey Bartlett Jr., who is co-chairman of the “Complete Our Streets” panel.

“Some are out of the box, but I think we have to look at absolutely every option because of the situation we’re in.”

Mayor Kathy Taylor and Councilor Bill Martinson formed the panel in September. The 18-member group began meeting at the first of October.

Bartlett and co-chairwoman Sharon King Davis said they will be working up to the time of the presentation, which will be sometime Tuesday.

“I’m sure the ink on the report is still going to be wet,” Davis said.

“This has been a fast process for a complicated subject, but we’ve been very thorough.”

The findings and recommendations will focus on three areas: funding, contracting and smart urban design.

Bartlett said he is keenly aware that the public is particularly concerned about how the city will pay for everything that needs to be done and if it will require a tax increase.

“It’s going to take a multitude of dedicated funding sources — not just one,” he said, adding that city leaders need to tap into as many federal and state dollars as they can.

Tulsa’s partnership with other cities to lobby the Oklahoma Legislature for the return of a half-penny of the state’s 4.5 cent sales tax rate to put toward municipal streets is a step in that direction, Bartlett said.

Tulsa also needs to look at possibly selling sponsorships for some of its streets, he said.

“I’m not joking about that,” Bartlett said. “There are companies out there that would pay good money for something like that. Just look at all of the sponsorships that have come in for the BOK Center.”

Bartlett also said that addressing Tulsa’s street needs is going to take a change in mind-set for city officials.

The primary sources for Tulsa’s street maintenance are the third-penny sales tax and general obligation bond packages.

Over the years, the amount devoted to non-street items from those revenue sources has increased.

“That has to stop,” Bartlett said. “I used to be a city councilor, so I feel partially responsible for that.”

There is no doubt the city will have to find new sources of funding, he said, “because the need is just so great.” “It’s going to take a longterm financial commitment for us, as a city, to fix this situation,” he said.

Everyone who drives a car knows all too well the state of the city’s streets, Davis said, but not necessarily how they got that way.

“Our financial resources are stretched thin,” she said. “We’ve been relying on the same two pennies for operations and one penny for infrastructure, and there’s not enough to go around.”

No one is to blame, Davis said; it is a problem that has been building for decades. “But I know that Tulsa is going to step up and get it done,” she said. “Because we all love our city, and we hate all of the potholes.”

Martinson has led a council subcommittee that has delved into the city’s street problems while the citizens panel has been meeting.

“We wanted to be educated about the issues before we get the report, so we can analyze it properly,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing what they came up with. From that point, it’s going to be our job to figure out the way forward.”

Taylor said she is expecting the report to include “long-term visionary ideas.”

“When you talk about streets, it’s not just what we drive on,” she said. “It’s about the mobility of an entire city.

“After Tuesday, the council and I need to sit down and figure out what we need to recommend to the citizens.”

Brian Barber 581-8322
brian.barber@tulsaworld.com

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.

Black officers' lawyers fee deal reached

By DAVID HARPER World Staff Writer
12/1/2007

The city of Tulsa will pay attorneys representing Tulsa's black police officers $175,000 for work they have done on the case in the 4-1/2 years since the lawsuit was settled.

U.S. District Judge Terence Kern approved the settlement in a written order filed late Thursday. The document says the resolution is not an admission by the city that the plaintiffs' attorneys are entitled to the amount.

Instead, the settlement is "solely an effort to preserve the resources of the city, and to avoid protracted litigation," according to the document.

Attorney Joel Wohlgemuth, representing the city, said Friday that the city could have faced financial exposure of about $400,000 if it had litigated the attorneys' fees issue, only to have the court ultimately rule for the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs' lead attor ney, Louis Bullock, called the settlement a "fair resolution."

In February 2005, the plaintiffs' lawyers sought about $96,000 for their efforts in monitoring the city's compliance with the May 2003 consent decree that settled the racial discrimination case.

However, Kern ruled in April 2005 that the decree, which was approved by former federal Judge Sven Erik Holmes, 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, would be.

The parties discussed settlement options before the court held hearings on the issue.

The agreement settles the issue of the plaintiffs' attorneys' fees since May 2003 at both the district court level and at the Denver-based appellate court.

Bullock and Wohlgemuth signed a document filed in Denver this week calling for the appeals court to dismiss the case from its docket.

The $175,000 settlement is in addition to the millions of dollars the city has spent defending itself in the lawsuit.

Officials have said previously that implementing the measures required in the con sent decree has cost the city about $6 million.

Additionally, more than $2 million already has been paid to the plaintiffs' lawyers, and the city has spent more than $2 million representing itself in the lawsuit, Wohlgemuth noted previously.

The case was filed in January 1994 by then-Officer Roy Johnson, who alleged that the Tulsa Police Department discriminated against the black officers in its ranks.

The suit was made a class action in 1998, opening it up to all of Tulsa's current and former black police officers if they didn't choose to opt out.

In August, the plaintiffs alleged that the city is not complying with the consent decree on matters connected to racial bias in policing, specialty assignments and retaliation.

Bullock claimed in August that the Police Department has used 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.

He said Friday that the city still "won't even look at" the relevant data, much less deal with the fundamental issues involved.

The plaintiffs' complaints regarding retaliation and specialty assignments center on the treatment given to a white officer.

The city subsequently disputed the August allegations and claimed that they involved at least some situations not even covered by the consent decree.

Both Wohlgemuth and Bullock said Friday that the issues raised by the plaintiffs in August remain unresolved.

The consent decree does provide for various methods to resolve such disputes short of the courtroom.

However, Bullock said it appears to him that the "substantial" issues that are pending likely will have to be heard and ruled upon by Kern because the city has been unwilling to deal with them.

If the city shows that it has "substantially complied" with the settlement of the lawsuit for two years, it may ask the court to terminate the agreement on its fifth anniversary this coming spring.

David Harper 581-8359
david.harper@tulsaworld.com

Copyright Tulsa World 2007. All rights reserved. Format differs from original publication.