Welcome to the Tulsa Police Department's monthly newsletter! We've had a fun and fulfilling few weeks headed into the holiday season. Let's take a look back and see what we have to look forward to in December.
No Shave November Update
The stubble is turning into varying degrees of mustaches as we endeavor to raise money for the Children's Hospital at Saint Francis.
Community donations will determine the winner between Tulsa Police and Tulsa Fire.
All donations will go to The Children's Hospital Foundation at Saint Francis Health System! You can donate through GoFundMe or write a check to The Children's Hospital Foundation.
The loser of the competition will have their mustache shaved by kids at the Children's Hospital on December 18th during the check presentation.
Our goal this year is $10,000 -- or more!
New HQ Announcement
Mayor G.T. Bynum and City officials announced the successful acquisition of the former State Farm regional headquarters at 12222 E. State Farm Blvd. S.
This site will be transformed into a new Public Safety Center, which aims to enhance public safety services for Tulsans.
Veterans Day Parade
We were once again proud to take part in the annual Tulsa Veterans Day Parade in downtown Tulsa.
The Tulsa Police Motorcycle Unit led off the parade at 3rd and Boston. Chief Dennis Larsen also sat on the review board with other city leaders.
Members of the Special Operations Team also took part in the parade along with the camouflage wrapped vehicle recognizing our partnership with the armed forces.
The parade featured 140+ entries and plenty of spectators lining the streets downtown. The theme for the parade this year was "Liberty for All."
Santa Arrives at Woodland Hills Mall
Santa Claus made his grand entrance with a special parade outside Woodland Hills Mall this month.
Several of our Officers led the escort outside, and instead of arriving on a sleigh, Santa got a special ride on a firetruck from our friends at the Tulsa Fire Department.
Route 66 Marathon
The Tulsa Police Relay Team had a great time at the Route 66 Marathon! Maj. Roberts took the first leg of the race starting in downtown, Officer Tollefson, Officer Burns and Officer Whitten took the middle three legs, then Officer Metcalf finished the race ending at the University of Tulsa!
The TPD Relay team placed 12th overall in the relay, but 1st in our division since the team had two females!
Gilcrease Division
A teacher with Epic Charter Schools reached out in July to inquire about a tour for his students. Over the course of several months, we worked closely with him and several people on the department to organize a multi-stop tour for a group of nearly 30 people, including students, their families, and teachers – visiting the Academy, PSC, and RTIC.
On Nov. 1, we began our tour at the Academy, where Officer Parga explained the hiring and training process to become a Tulsa Police Officer. K-9 Officers Hornok and Anderson provided in-depth knowledge of the K-9 Unit, as well as a demonstration with their dogs, and Lt. Cory and Officer Barnhart showed off one of the Department’s helicopters, letting the students inside to look around and take photos.
After visiting the Police Officers Memorial on our way out, we caravanned to Public Safety Communications, where Darin Glodo provided in-depth knowledge about 911 operations, and gave us a tour of the facility. Lastly, we traveled to City Hall, where the students got to see the Real Time Information Center and see what kind of new technology is being utilized by the Department, courtesy of Michelle Maxey and Susannah Ralston.
This was a coordinated effort across many units, and we're extremely grateful for the help we received and accommodation from everyone involved – thank you!
Mingo Valley Division
One of the highlights of the month was our visit to Disney Elementary, where officers had the privilege of meeting with the Disney Changemakers.
This after-school group, made up of passionate 4th and 5th graders, is focused on identifying community problems and proposing solutions. This year, the Changemakers tackled the issue of school traffic safety. As part of their project, they interviewed officers from MVD’s Traffic Unit to gain insight into traffic safety measures.
Together, they brainstormed solutions, such as proposing the installation of either flashing school zone signs or a speed bump in front of their school. We’re inspired by their dedication to making a positive impact and look forward to seeing their efforts come to fruition.
In addition to our time at Disney Elementary, MVD had the honor of joining Santa’s entourage for his grand arrival at Woodland Hills Mall. It was a festive moment that kicked off the holiday season and brought smiles to many families.
As November transitions into December, the season of giving is in full swing. The CORE Unit is gearing up for several programs that give back to the community. We’re especially excited to participate in the Saint Francis Xavier Clinic Holiday Toy Giveaway next month.
From your MVD CORE Ambassador, wishing you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving! November reminded us of the power of collaboration and community spirit. As we look ahead to December, we’re ready to continue serving and celebrating alongside our neighbors. Stay safe and enjoy the season!
Riverside Division
It's been an eventful month across the department, including a fun event we participated in with the Cub Scouts!
Lt. Kraft joined firefighters with Tulsa Fire and EMSA paramedics from at Patrick Henry Elementary to visit with the Cub Scouts from Tulsa Pack 91!
The scouts asked the first responders many questions, got to check out the patrol vehicles, ambulance and firetruck, and got to try on some gear. Special thanks to the organizers of the event and the Cub Scouts for having us out to speak!
The department also came together and joined several other agencies in wishing celebrating the 8th birthday of Hayes Ruch who's battling T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The turnout for the parade in front of his house was an incredible scene.
From the Veterans Day Parade to Santa's Arrival at Woodland Hills Mall, we've seen the community come together in a big way and we're looking forward to keeping that momentum going headed toward 2025!
Upcoming Events
Car Wash with a Cop
We'll be leading a multi-stop tour of several TPD facilities for EPIC Charter Schools. We’re excited to show off some department highlights such as our new heliport which is still under construction, the newly remodeled Public Safety Communications facility, and our Real Time Information Center at City Hall.
Date: Dec. 7
Time: 1 p.m. -3 p.m.
Location: 8761 S Memorial Dr
Christmas Celebration with Council for Safe Neighbors
The Council for Safe Neighbors is joining the local community and law enforcement to help bring joy to children for Christmas.
Date: Dec. 14
Time: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Location: Saint Francis Xavier Church, 2515 E 1st St S
Tulsa Police Financial Crimes Unit warns families about latest credit card skimmer scams
Recently, the Tulsa Police Department Financial Crimes Unit has seen an increase in credit card skimmers in the Tulsa area. In the past month, the unit has recovered more than 30 skimmers.
Here's a message from Lt. Andrew Weeden about the crimes and what to look out for.
In geometry dash world, players move through a succession of imaginatively constructed levels, jumping and dodging obstacles to the beat of music.