Two Tulsa sheriff's reserve deputies have returned to active duty after the agency began reforming the program and strengthened its training requirements.
The program's overhaul came after former reserve deputy Robert Bates fatally shot an unarmed man during a 2015 sting operation. Bates alleged he mistook his revolved for his Taser. He was later found guilty of second-degree manslaughter.
Records released after the incident showed many reserve deputies' files were missing training-hours and firearms qualification documents.
Sheriff's office spokesman Justin Green tells the Tulsa World that two reservists have met the increased qualifications and have been reinstated. Another 39 reservists remain on the roster inactive, down from about 129.
Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado says he wants current reserve deputies to go through the improved training before opening the program to applicants.