The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office will not immediately reinstate its embattled reserve deputy program following an external audit that had 17 adverse findings. Interim sheriff Michelle Robinette told The Tulsa World that she will not reinstate the program and will leave that decision to the next sheriff. However, she will suggest the new sheriff dismantle the old reserve deputy program and build a new one from scratch.
The next sheriff will be elected in April.
Robinette believes deputy reserves who "worked hard" will return, and she hopes TSCO will pick up new people who wish to serve.
From The Tulsa World:
Twelve of the CSI report’s 238 pages are dedicated to the findings and recommendations for the reserve program. The final finding notes the program has policies and practices “not consistent” with nationally recognized standards. The assessors determined the program should be “terminated and reconstituted” under a new set of policies and procedures. “All TCSO reserves should be required to complete a new application process, undergo a new background investigation, meet new training and physical requirements, and abide by new reserve policies and procedures,” the report states.
The reserve deputy program came under scrutiny last year when reserve deputy Robert Bates shot and killed Eric Harris in a sting operation. Bates, an insurance executive and friend of then-sheriff Stanley Glanz, admitted he confused his revolver for a taser. Deputies had already subdued Harris on the ground when Bates shot him. Bates now faces second degree murder charges. Glanz later resigned, and faces two misdemeanor criminal charges.
From the Tulsa World:
“Many reserves feel they are exempt from or do not have to follow various policies because of who they are or who they are friends with in the agency,” according to the report. “This informal system violates all chain of command within the organization and undermines the supervisor’s authority, causing dissent within the organization.” Among the report’s other notable findings: Advanced reserves were permitted to function as certified deputies “with little regulation.” The program was without a “structured system to provide supervision” within the reserve ranks. There was a lack of proper documentation of training files. There was a lack of “accountability for obedience” to policy and procedures. No evidence existed of a “system of performance evaluations or physical assessments” for reserves. No policy was evident addressing the “self-purchase, training, and/or approval” to carry Tasers on duty. No policy was in place regarding the purchase of firearms by reservists to carry on duty. The assessors state that a reserve program “can be an invaluable asset” to an agency and the public, but there must be “proper policies and procedures, training, management and supervision.”
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
