T.P.D. African American History

In the first decade of the twentieth century, Tulsa was in growth period which exceeded that of other cities of comparable size across the united states. The discovery of oil was the predominant factor for that growth. As the city expanded in population and geographic area, it became necessary to respond to requests for police assistance in the African American area of town. The Jim Crow laws had segregated the black community to an area northeast of the business district. Subsequently, Barney Cleaver was the first black officer. During the next twelve years, he became known in the black community as an exemplary officer.

John H. Smitherman joined the police department in 1914 and served the department for forty-two years. Changes in administrations caused periods of broken service but officer Smitherman also distinguished himself as a conscientious and dependable officer.

Other black officers served the department equally well but they too were confined to policing the African American section of town. Black officers were assigned to the Patrol Division until the late 1940’s.

Mary Horn joined the police department in 1939. Although women were not assigned to uniformed divisions at the time., Officer Horn worked in the raiding squad which arrested violators of liquor and gambling laws. Officer Horn, known as a sure shot with a pistol, aggressively fought vice.

Earl White was hired as a motorcycle officer in the Greenwood district in 1948. In the 1950’s Lt. Armstead W. “Skippy” Berry was the only black staff officer on the Tulsa Police Department. Recruiting and promotion for black officers was not a high priority. Yet, three black officers had died in the line of duty by 1951.

Civil Rights legislation in 1964 began to solve some of the inadequacies. Officer Archie Carroll was the first black officer to be assigned to an accident investigation car in 1966. It was a strange sight to see a black officer in a police car south of Eleventh Street. Victims of traffic accidents appeared amazed when he arrived at an accident scene and got out of the police car with his clipboard. He broke the barrier for other black officers.

Tulsa Police Department has made huge strides since the days of the Jim Crow Laws. Today, Tulsa Police Department is C.A.L.E.A. accredited and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Currently, there are 85 black officers working in all aspects of the police department. Their duties range from Detectives, Motorcycles, SWAT, and Supervisors.