BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — The Broken Arrow Police Department swore in their new chief on Tuesday.
Chief Lance Arnold began his career in law enforcement in Oklahoma, serving 20 years with the Norman Police Department before becoming Chief of Police in Weatherford, Texas.
Many officials and city leaders at Tuesday’s ceremony said they were excited to welcome Arnold into Broken Arrow as the 10th Chief of Police in the department’s history.
“I’m so honored to carry on your commitment to public safety and ensuring public safety remains the bedrock of a thriving community,” said Chief Arnold.
Broken Arrow City manager Michael Spurgeon said it was important to have a chief who can speak to the community.
“Not only an effective communicator out in the community but also an effective communicator and listener within the department,” said Spurgeon.
Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee said Chief Arnold’s role is vital to keeping peace and security in the city.
“Chief Arnold’s impressive law enforcement credentials and his diverse background in municipal government made him the ideal person to be our 10th police chief in the history of BAPD,” said Wimpee. “His commitment to building trust within the community and fostering partnerships with citizens is exactly what we need at this pivotal time.”
Chief Arnold reassured the community that BAPD’s expectations for their staff and officers will continue to stay high.
“Our core values will continue to guide our actions. We will continue to focus on continuous improvements through transparency, open dialogue, continuous learning, teamwork, and leading by example with character and excellence,” said Arnold.
Chief Arnold chose to wear badge number 345, the next available to an incoming officer, rather than the traditional badge number of one, for a chief.
He said he wants to show support to the brave men and women of BAPD.
“Together we will foster a culture where we can all thrive and flourish and when that happens, that creates the greatest opportunity for our community to also thrive and flourish,” said Chief Arnold.
After the ceremony, Chief Arnold shared his plans on tackling some of the department’s issues like office conduct and domestic violence in the city.
“Fortunately, the relationship is already strong,” said Chief Arnold. “We are always going to be a member of this community, a part of this community and we want the community to be a part of us and that includes being transparent, being forthright, being honest in our intentions and our actions.”
Chief Arnold said while they are a police department, it goes beyond the title of law enforcement.
“Do our citizens feel safe? Do they feel safe at night in their neighborhoods? Do people feel safe when they come shop in BA, or they come to events in BA? Those are the outcomes that we are trying to seek. So much more than just what the statistics might show,” said Arnold.
He shared how he will ensure that officers abide by the conduct and core values of the department.
“This department is full of people who have the highest integrity and that hold each other accountable on a daily basis, and so really, it’s just more of that same type of behavior of getting the people out that don’t need to be here. But quite frankly I think those were isolated incidents that don’t really indicate how professional our department is and how much we are accountable,” said Chief Arnold.
Chief Arnold said the first thing on his agenda is to meet with as many members, partners, and stakeholders as possible and then the next step is to set up a strategic plan for the department.