Blanchard Police Chief Refutes Allegations of Coercion, Intimidation

By Adrianna Iwasinski, NEWS 9

BLANCHARD, Oklahoma -- The Blanchard Police Chief said he is hurt and disappointed after a Blanchard officer accused the department of coercion, intimidation and failure to pay comp time or overtime.

Blanchard Police Chief Tom Linn said the allegations are not true, despite what some of his officers say.

"If you knew me and what I stand for and what my goals are and my commitment to the city and the police officers, I think you would say they (the allegations) are baseless. They are foundless. There's no substance," Linn said.

Linn said he's taking the claims of corruption from within his department very seriously. Not only because they're criminal but because he said this was the first he had heard of it.

"As a matter of fact, I would be willing to investigate corruption and to be a part of it is insane," Linn said.

Linn has only been Blanchard's police chief for a year and a half, but he has a long career as a former state and federal agent. And that was one of the reasons why many of his men said they're afraid to come forward.

"You don't have a choice. It is a directive you will put this on paper or you will not step back foot in a Blanchard police car," said a concerned police officer.

The officer came forward only because his identity was protected.

"I think if I lose my job fighting for my brothers and sisters in law enforcement, then so be it," the officer said.

Both the police chief and the city manager said they know of no one who has filed a grievance on this matter, but the officer and others said that's not true and that there are papers that prove it.

Multiple grievances were filed this year, claiming the chief threatened an officer's job and used offensive language. The officer stated the threats create a hostile work environment and asks the chief to cease and desist.

"Bullying I think is a real stretch. Intimidation, I agree, is a stretch as well. I'll have to deny those," Linn said.

Deny it or not, officers who have come forward said it is happening.

"If I've made errors, I will correct them," Linn said.

Along with Blanchard officers claiming the allegations, one city employee has as well. The U.S. Attorney has been contacted and may be launching an investigation of its own.

At least two lawsuits have been filed by two Blanchard police officers.