Gun bill concerns chief
Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty says a gunrights measure awaiting action by Gov. Mary Fallin, if enacted, would put law enforcement officers at greater risk.
Q: What would the bill do? A: Senate Bill 1212 was sent to the governor by the state Senate last week. If it becomes law, individuals could carry a firearm “concealed or unconcealed, loaded or unloaded” without obtaining a permit or taking a firearms training course.
Q: Why is Citty concerned? A: The chief gave the example of an encounter between police and known gang members. A gang leader prohibited from carrying a gun because of prior convictions could slip a gun to a lesser gang member who has no criminal record. Even if police find the gun, officers could not make an arrest or seize the weapon.
Q: Could guns still be prohibited in City Hall, in other city offices, and at Thunder games?
A: Yes.
Q: What has Citty done? A: The chief said he called the governor’s office Friday morning to let Gov. Fallin know he was available to discuss his concerns. He seemed cautiously optimistic, saying she has been a pro-law enforcement chief executive.
Q: Is the bill drawing attention outside the Capitol?
A: Yes. The State Chamber of Oklahoma has asked the governor to veto the bill “to defend business owners’ rights to keep their premises gun-free.” On social media, find arguments pro and con under the hashtag #SB1212.
Crisis intervention training funded
The city’s proposed 2018-19 budget includes $23,400 to expand the Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team, or CIT. Training an additional 18 officers on handling situations involving the mentally ill would bring Oklahoma City up to the national standard of having 25 percent of patrol officers with the training. Adding to CIT was one of Chief Bill Citty’s requests for enhancements beyond his base budget.
Of note: CIT staff receive incentive pay of $50 per pay period.
Legislation sought by city passes
Before legislators adjourned last week, the Legislature passed and/or the governor signed several bills sought by Oklahoma City. Included are:
• House Bill 3576, designating the state Transportation Department as safety oversight agency for the Oklahoma City streetcar, which begins service in December.
• Senate Bill 340, enabling municipal courts and judges to allow community service to pay off fines.
• Senate Bill 1498, allowing the chief of police to weigh in on state liquor licensing for new establishments.
• Senate Bill 1336, allowing municipalities to set hours of operation for bars.
Of note: Other measures tracked by the city that advanced involve car theft prevention, scrap metal rules, cellphone tower regulations, and publishing municipal budget information on the city’s website.
They said it
“This is a signal honor for me and my family.”
— Retired Ward 4 Councilman Pete White, at the ceremony Friday dedicating the MAPS 3 senior health and wellness center at 4021 S Walker Ave., next to Capitol Hill High School. The center will be named for White, a lifelong resident and advocate of the south side. In his remarks, White said one of his major interests while serving on the council was health care. The center will have a medical clinic open to all and fitness facilities for members age 50 and over. Memberships are priced on a sliding scale, depending on income, and are available now.
Tweet of the week
“’@GovMaryFallin really let us down on this issue.’ Cherokees disappointed in veto of Native American Day bill”
— @NewsOK, read coverage at @TheOklahoman/ NewsOK.com. Indigenous Peoples Day observances have been an issue before the Oklahoma City Council and could be again this year. David Holt (Osage), the city’s new mayor, is the city’s first mayor of Native American ancestry.
Streetcar construction
MAPS 3 streetcar system construction continues throughout downtown. For updates, follow the weekly downtown area traffic advisory online at okc.gov. Streetcar service is to begin in December. New this week:
• The intersection of NW 11 and Robinson reopens Wednesday and the intersection of NW 11 and Harvey closes for track work.
• The intersection of NW 4 and Harvey will be closed through June 4.
Present/absent
Mayor David Holt and seven of the eight city council members attended last week’s meeting. Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid was away.
The week ahead
The Oklahoma City Council meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 200 N Walker.
William Crum, staff writer, wcrum@oklahoman.com Twitter: @williamcrum