Broken Arrow City affirms police integrity amid concerns about officers’ investigation

BROKEN ARROW, OK (KTUL) — The City of Broken Arrow has released a statement amid concerns about its officials’ investigation.

The following statement comes from Michael Spurgeon, the city administrator of Broken Arrow:

The Broken Arrow Police Department has a proud and rich history of serving the community. The recent citizen survey confirms once again that our citizens have a high level of respect and trust in the police. One of the main reasons for the high quality of life in Broken Arrow is the hard work of the entire police department to keep our city safe.

I want to assure the public that the questionable decisions made by a handful of officials recently do not reflect the overall culture and character of the great men and women who are sworn to protect and serve our city. I assure them that they have my full support, as well as that of the Mayor and City Council.

As City Manager, I am deeply troubled by the negative light that the actions of these few officers have cast on the entire department and our city. Police Chief Brandon Berryhill and I have ordered that the actions of these officers be thoroughly investigated to determine what happened. If policies and procedures were violated, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible.

My office will not stand idly by and tolerate the actions of employees who make poor decisions that can tarnish the legacy of the BAPD and, more importantly, undermine the hard-earned trust we have built with the citizens of Broken Arrow over many decades.

Chief Berryhill and I will provide further information to the Mayor, City Council and community as needed.