BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations looked into alleged misconduct by some Broken Arrow police officers.
According to BAPD, on May 27 during a call for service, BAPD patrol officers "discovered alleged misconduct by fellow officers" that happened on May 23. The release doesn't specify the allegations but said they relate to the call for service and the patrol officers' investigation.
2 News learned about the investigation from a BAPD press release. OSBI said they couldn't comment as the investigation is ongoing. Spokespeople for the police department and the city declined to comment.
On Aug. 19, the Broken Arrow Police Department posted on Facebook that four officers were no longer with the department. The statement said three officers were terminated, and another chose to retire with no disciplinary action.
Now the Tulsa County DA's office places the officers on deferred prosecution, which means the filing of formal charges was declined; however, the former officers must fulfill certain probation requirements through the DA's office.
On June 14, Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon released this statement:
The Broken Arrow Police Department has a proud and rich history of serving the community. The recent citizen survey once again affirms that our citizens have a high degree of respect and trust for the department. One of the main reasons we have a great quality of life in Broken Arrow is because of how hard the entire police department works to keep our city safe.
I want to assure the community that the questionable decisions made by a handful of officers recently do not reflect the overall culture and character of the great men and women who have sworn an oath to protect and serve our city. Let me assure them that they have my full support as well as the Mayor’s and City Council’s.
As city manager, I am deeply troubled by the negative light the actions these few officers have cast down on the entire department and our city. Police Chief Brandon Berryhill and I have directed that the actions of these officers be thoroughly examined to determine what happened. If policies and procedures have been violated, appropriate discipline will be imposed upon those responsible.
My office will not stand idly by and tolerate the actions of any employee that makes poor decisions that can tarnish the legacy of BAPD and more importantly, erode the hard-earned trust we have developed with the citizens of Broken Arrow over many decades.
Chief Berryhill and I will provide more information to the Mayor, City Council, and community when appropriate.
The four officers were on administrative leave pending the independent investigation. BAPD asked OSBI to conduct a criminal investigation.
"The Broken Arrow Police Department has a rich history of proudly serving its citizens with principled sincerity and respect to ensure our thriving community is a safe and welcoming city for all," said Police Chief Brandon Berryhill. "We will continue to uphold our core values of professionalism, integrity, accountability, courage, and compassion, while promoting a spirit of transparency, as we honorably protect and serve our community. That commitment is the high standard that has been set by BAPD and the expectation of Broken Arrow residents."
At the time the investigation was announced 2 News spoke with a Broken Arrow neighbor on the condition of anonymity.
"You’re gonna have this wherever you’re at," the neighbor said, "It doesn’t matter if you’re in a police department. There can always be an issue, or will be some kind of an issue."
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