| Updated: 2/18 4:14 pm |
Published: 2/18 4:13 pm
|
The Tulsa Police Department released information about compliance checks in an effort to clear up misinformation officials say is being spread.
The information is released after a compliance check at one of Tulsa City Councilor Blake Ewing’s restaurants, Joe Momma’s on January 31st. That check led to allegations the councilor’s restaurant and bars have been targeted by officers.
Police Chief Chuck Jordan says Tulsa police officers conducted compliance checks for licensing and permitting in clubs and restaurants in the downtown area as part of a citywide initiative to ensure compliance for all alcohol related businesses and in support of the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission.
TPD says the checks are done by a four person patrol, including three TPD officers and one ABLE agent, in some cases a 4th TPD officer can be called in as needed.
Since the compliance initiative began in October 2012 TPD says checks have been made at 200 bars and restaurants citywide, not in only specific geographic areas as has been suggested.
Jordan says the January 31st compliance check covered a geographical area determined by TPD and ABLE and all bars/restaurants open in that area were checked, but in and out of the Blue Dome District.
Jordan also denies suggestions that emails were written to prevent police from looking bad, “When a police officer in the performance of his/her duty is confronted by a sitting city councilor and they have words, I would expect documentation and notification through their chain of command. There may have been a bad judgment call made that evening, but it was not made by my police officers.”
Jordan also denies suggestions Tulsa police officers released emails about the January 31st compliance check and says there is no indication the officers were aggressive, “There are clear indications that they remained professional and tolerant throughout the incident when confronted by harsh and aggressive behavior themselves.”
TPD says all citations issued on January 31st are still pending in the City Prosecutor’s office and city permits for every machine cited have now been purchased by the businesses and issued by the city.
Police Chief Chuck Jordan says the police department wants all entertainment venues in the city to be successful and flourish and ensures safety, proper licensing and order are maintained.
