OKC Residents Voice Concerns To Police Chief

Chief Gourley gave his budget presentation to city council and heard from residents for the first time since this weekend’s violence. Many residents condemned the actions of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s officers.

Tuesday, June 2nd 2020, 6:06 pm

By: Karl Torp

OKLAHOMA CITY -

Chief Gourley gave his budget presentation to city council and heard from residents for the first time since this weekend’s violence.

Many residents condemned the actions of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s officers.

Dozens called up and remained on hold for a chance to address the chief during a zoom meeting for the first time since the violence.

“We need an independent citizens review board. We need to demilitarize the police,” said resident Luke Atkinson.

“Our city has an issue not just with force against people of color but against people experiencing all sorts of vulnerabilities,” said resident Cory Hall.

The chief started his presentation by saying in 2018 OCPD was one of the only departments in the country to implement a de-escalation training program.

Black Lives Matter OKC is asking Chief Gourley to resign claiming his officers escalated the situation over the weekend.

Karl Torp

Karl Torp is an award-winning journalist who’s been part of the News 9 team since 2012. He co-anchors the 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts on weekdays. Karl loves telling Oklahoma’s unique stories, and he’s also a huge sports junkie. He loves to think of trades that would help the Oklahoma City Thunder win a World Championship (despite knowing little to nothing about salary caps and luxury taxes).