A portion of Tulsa’s public safety tax revenue next year could go toward overhauling the police department website and social media accounts as the city ramps up hiring.
"We’re trying to do just an unprecedented level of recruitment and then trying to get the best possible applicant pool for academy sizes that are unprecedented," said Mayor G.T. Bynum.
The best possible Tulsa Police Department recruits, however, aren't being reached through traditional recruiting efforts.
"College seniors today, which is mostly who they’re going to be targeting, they’re not necessarily always going to the job fairs. They’re going to be looking at stuff on social media and online and deciding where they want to apply."
The voter-approved 0.16 percent public safety tax is expected to bring in almost $12.5 million next fiscal year.
"The purpose of that is to hire additional police officers and firefighters. And so if this can help us accomplish that, then that’s a proper use," Bynum said.
The public safety tax revenue is expected to pay for 160 new police officers.
