TULSA, Okla. — Law enforcement agencies across Green Country are struggling to hire employees.

Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado says they are understaffed on the streets and at the county jail. Chief Wendell Franklin of the Tulsa Police Department says they are dealing with the same issues.

“People don’t want to subject themselves to everything we have gone through in the last year, and the pay,” says Franklin.

A new Tulsa police officer makes around $49,200 a year. Tulsa County deputies start at $43,500 a year. Detention officers at the county jail begin around $34,000 a year.

“When you have younger people looking at it, and they go well gosh why would I get into that job when I’m being scrutinized, criticized and second guessed, that is why people are staying away,” says Regalado.

Both Chief Franklin and Sheriff Regalado say elected officials are aware of the problem and the need for better pay. In Oklahoma, city governments are funded through sales tax dollars. It is an inconsistent tax that can lead to changes in funding.

Governor Stitt signed a public safety bill this April. The bill would allow cities to also allow access of a portion of people’s property taxes for police, fire, and medical services. That’s if the bill is taken and approved by voters. Chief Franklin says he hopes Tulsans show support.

“I think people understand. I hope they understand. Especially going through a pandemic and seeing businesses shut down. That has a dramatic effect on city services. When municipalities can only use sales tax dollars to fund services you see a reduction in services and that’s where we are at,” says Franklin.

Because recruiting has been such a widespread issue, the Sheriff’s office is hosting a joint law enforcement hiring event at the end of this month.

There are also several events aimed at recruiting women to both departments. The Tulsa Police Department is hosting their event on July 17th. The Sheriff’s Office is hosting their event on August 14th.

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