Tulsa Police appear set to begin the process of hiring civilians for certain positions.
"As soon as the next fiscal year starts and with the approved budget of this year, we're going to move forward on a few of the positions and be able to move in a pretty quick, timely manner on at least the analysts since those positions are already in existence," said Deputy Chief Jonathan Brooks.
Brooks said two crime analyst positions will be among the easiest to civilianize because they don’t require law enforcement–specific skills or training. TPD has $327,000 in next year’s budget specifically to begin civilianizing 17 positions.
TPD told city councilors several jobs require specialized training or skills. Officer Craig Heatherly said three current telephone report officers can only do their jobs because they’re sworn officers.
"As it stands right now, these people are conducting criminal investigations," Heatherly said. "They're having to identify crime types. They're having to write police reports. They're handling evidence. They are testifying in court."
TPD says training and court liaisons and property room staff will need backgrounds in law enforcement. Heatherly and Brooks were asked what they consider a background in law enforcement.
"These positions would potentially go to retired police officers," Heatherly said.
"Or somebody with extensive education and training in the criminal justice area," Brooks said.
Out of the list of 17 positions, 11 officers are eligible for retirement. Brooks said the last time he approached them about taking a lower-paying civilian equivalent, about half were interested.
