TULSA, Oklahoma – Green Country law enforcement agencies are having difficulty recruiting.
Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado says they are understaffed on the streets and in the county jail. Tulsa Police Department chief Wendell Franklin says they are dealing with the same issues.
“People don’t want to expose themselves to all of what we’ve been through in the last year and the pay,” Franklin says.
A new cop in Tulsa makes about $ 49,200 a year. Tulsa County MPs start at $ 43,500 a year. The county jail’s incarceration officers start on around $ 34,000 a year.
“If there are younger people who look at this and they are doing well, why should I take this job when I am questioned, criticized and questioned, then people stay away,” says Regalado.
Both Chief Franklin and Sheriff Regalado say elected officials are aware of the problem and the need for better pay. In Oklahoma, city governments are funded by sales tax money. It is an inconsistent tax that can lead to changes in funding.
Governor Stitt signed a public safety law in April this year. The bill would allow cities to also provide access to part of the property taxes of the population for police, fire brigade and medical services. That is when the bill is passed and approved by the voters. Chief Franklin says he hopes Tulsans will show support.
“I think people understand. I hope you understand. Mainly from a pandemic and company closures. This has a dramatic impact on city services. If municipalities can only use sales tax dollars to fund services, you see a decline in services and here we are, ”says Franklin.
With recruiting such a widespread topic, the sheriff’s office is hosting a joint law enforcement hiring event later this month.
In addition, there are several events that aim to attract women to both departments. The Tulsa Police Department will host their event on July 17th. The Sheriff’s Office is hosting their event on August 14th.
© 2021 Cox Media Group