Broken Arrow City Council convened Tuesday to hear community members speak about the city’s internal probe of Police Chief Lance Arnold, who was placed on paid administrative leave last month over what officials described as “operational issues.” The meeting drew several residents who reiterated their confidence in the chief and called for clearer communication from city leadership.
Resident Brian Cathey, who also addressed the council at a prior hearing, expressed frustration with the city manager’s handling of the situation, saying, “You cannot ask citizens to trust the process without acknowledging the concerns the process has created,” and urged council members to provide stronger leadership (Broken Arrow Sentinel). Retired police officer Chris Walker, a member of FOP Lodge 170, added that he had never seen the lodge stand “hand in hand with a police chief in opposition to city administration” in his 27‑year career, emphasizing the community’s confidence in Chief Arnold.
The controversy stems from an email chain released by Arnold’s attorney, D. Mitchell Garrett Jr., which revealed a disagreement between the chief and city administrators over his handling of a March arrest. Arnold admitted the officers’ use of force conflicted with OPS 120, the department policy governing searches, seizures, and warrantless arrests, and wrote that the incident highlighted a “training failure” for which he felt personally responsible.
City Manager Michael Spurgeon responded by ordering Acting Police Chief Scott Bennett to issue a memo rescinding Arnold’s email and reaffirming that OPS 120 remains binding. In an email obtained by KOTV, Spurgeon warned that leaving Arnold’s message unanswered “undermines OPS 120, leaves officers without clear guidance… and puts the city in the position of appearing to accept conduct its own written policy prohibits.” Bennett’s directive reinforced the department’s obligation to follow the policy and rejected any notion that compliance was a “technicality.”
Ward 3 City Council member David Pickel thanked the supporters for their testimony but reminded attendees to remain respectful, noting the “hard” and “concerning” nature of the times. Assistant City Manager Kenneth Schwab clarified that the city manager holds responsibility for employee matters, limiting the council’s role in personnel investigations. The internal investigation of Chief Arnold remains ongoing, with no public timeline announced.
What’s next: The city’s internal probe will continue while officials monitor compliance with OPS 120. Residents awaiting further updates are encouraged to attend future council meetings where additional information may be shared.
Sources: basentinel.com
