By Shelby Banks, FOX23 News
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — A policy disagreement sparked an investigation into Broken Arrow’s police chief, according to documents obtained through an open records request.
Chief Lance Arnold was placed on administrative leave in early October. At the time, we were only told that it was due to an internal investigation.
Emails sent between Arnold, his department, and City Manager Michael Spurgeon show disagreement over a policy involving an arrest.
Timeline
December 2025: Arnold emailed the entire Broken Arrow Police Department about transitioning to Lexipol policies. Lexipol is a platform that provides first responders with training, policies, and content. Arnold indicated that he wanted clearer guidelines and more freedom for officers to do their jobs.
Arnold compared the arrest to a case in New York (Payton vs New York) and acknowledged that it conflicted with the warrantless arrest and entry protocol. Arnold admitted that there was a violation, but that the officers wouldn’t be disciplined and that it would be chalked up to a training failure. “Who is responsible when our policy and practices don’t align or we have not provided the proper training to improve alignment? Ultimately, ME,” Arnold wrote.
He also admitted that he and other officers would have made the same decision.
September 2026: BAPD leadership discussed Lexipol policies 308, 312, 315, and 320. Policy 312 covers searches and seizures, which Major Stephen Garrett suggested all officers revisit, along with guidelines for threshold arrests.
Arnold agreed to regular refresher courses, but said the policy is “purposefully broad” and that the department needed to know case law that would impact its practices.
October 2026: Arnold is placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation on October 14. Spurgeon then orders acting police chief Scott Bennett to recall Arnold’s March email because it was sent four days before the investigation was completed.
Spurgeon said Arnold’s email failed to tell officers what the law requires or what they should do differently in a similar situation. Spurgeon also believes that Arnold’s email could suggest that the Fourth Amendment could be treated as a technicality. The Fourth Amendment protects people from unlawful searches and seizures.
Spurgeon directed the agency to follow OPS 120, which will remain in effect until a successor policy is formally created and adopted. Officers must complete training on warrantless arrests, entries, and searches within 30 days of Spurgeon’s directive.
