Objective:

To address the pressing public safety concerns in Tulsa, this policy aims to enhance the effectiveness of our police force, provide comprehensive responses to mental health and homelessness issues, and ensure that every neighborhood feels secure and supported. This plan encompasses three key strategies: increasing police staffing, investing in alternative response teams, and fostering strong community partnerships.

1. Increase Police Staffing:

Objective: To address the current understaffing of the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) and enhance overall public safety.

• Hire 130 Additional Police Officers:
  • Support efforts to recruit and train 130 new police officers over the next two fiscal years.
  • Ensure that new hires meet high standards of professional excellence and community engagement.
  • Implement strategies to retain officers and reduce turnover, including competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development opportunities.

2. Improve Coordination Among Mental Health Response Teams:

Objective: To enhance the effectiveness of mental health crisis response in Tulsa through improved coordination among the Alternative Response Team (ART), Integrated Response Team (IRT), Community Response Team (CRT), and Community Outreach Psychiatric Emergency Services (COPES).

• Increase Coordination Among Mental Health Crisis Teams:
  • Expand ART operating hours to 24/7.
  • Hire more mental health professionals, social workers, and trained responders to handle mental health emergencies.
  • Partner with local mental health organizations to design and implement a crisis intervention model.
• Bring Stakeholders to the Table in a Coordinated Outreach Effort:
  • Develop a dedicated outreach team focused on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with essential services, including housing, healthcare, and job training.
  • Collaborate with local shelters, non-profits, and social service agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing homelessness.
• Training and Integration:
  • Train police officers, firefighters, and mental health crisis response teams to work collaboratively, ensuring seamless transitions between law enforcement and specialized support services.
  • Develop protocols for joint response and communication between the police and fire departments and mental health professionals.

3. Strengthen Community Partnerships and Safety:

Objective: To build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ensuring every neighborhood feels safe and supported.

• Community Engagement Initiatives:
  • Launch regular town hall meetings and community forums to gather feedback, address concerns, and build stronger relationships between police officers and residents.
  • Implement neighborhood watch programs and community policing strategies to increase visibility and engagement.
• Neighborhood Safety Assessments:
  • Conduct comprehensive safety assessments in each neighborhood to identify specific concerns and priorities.
  • Collaborate with community leaders to develop targeted safety plans and allocate resources where they are most needed.
• Transparency and Accountability:
  • Establish mechanisms for transparent reporting and accountability, including regular updates on public safety efforts and community impact.
  • Encourage feedback from residents to continuously improve police practices and community safety strategies.