New Oklahoma County Sheriff Shares His Plans For The Agency

Tommie Johnson III made history Monday in Oklahoma County, becoming the county’s first black sheriff to be sworn in.

“I will do the best job I can to represent this agency, to build a relationship -- a better relationship -- with the people we serve, and to lead this office to heights it's never seen,” Johnson said.

Johnson was sworn into office at U.S. Grant High School, his former high school.

Johnson said as he take on the role of new sheriff, he wants the culture to change and he wants his presence to be known and to be felt within the community.

Johnson said he wants to get a better fleet program, to get better cars and increase deputy safety.

“It’s not to spend money, but it’s to save money,” Johnson said.

He said he plans to be fiscally transparent and does not plan to make any staff cuts.

Another key component Johnson plans to change is securing bodycams for the department.

“We got to start on getting bodycams. I think that is another issue I want to tackle and that was my issue say one day as I get in the agency,” Johnson said.

In order to find money to fund the bodycams, Johnson said he plans to trim the fat and move money around.