OCPD Police Chief Bill Citty Accused Of Ethics Violation

Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty has been accused of an ethics violation for reportedly retaliating against four deputy chiefs. 

Leaders of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police are calling for Chief Citty to be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.

"Four deputy chiefs, the four highest ranking members of this department that were handpicked by the chief to head this department, filed an ethics complaint against the chief for threats of retaliation and intimidation over their grievance that they had filed,” said John George of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police.

The deputy chiefs say they met with the chief to discuss overtime pay they believed they were owed. 

According to the document, “After hearing the concerns, Chief Citty became upset and said the following while we were all in the room: ‘The city manager will retaliate against you. He will say he won’t, but he will.” 

He also said that “The deputy chiefs perceived this as a threat to intimidate or coerce us from going forward with our contract grievance, or career advancement would be jeopardized…”

George said of Chief Citty, "He tried to intimidate them not to file the grievance. The exact threat is that the retaliation would be from the city manager. And what they’re assuming is that you won't be the next chief. You won't get promoted."

Mayor David Holt says he will let the investigation take its course.

"The auditor’s office received some allegations and we asked them to investigate, which is a very standard process. And that's where we're at. We'll wait to see the results,” said Mayor Holt.

"There's very strong language in our city charter. It’s a criminal violation for the mayor and council to be involved in personnel decisions, so I wouldn’t have anything to say about that and never will,” he continued.

The city manager is refusing to comment, and the police department released a statement saying Chief Citty welcomes the investigation, but he won’t comment until it’s complete.

The union representing police says, if this was anyone but the chief being investigated, that person would be suspended.

"Morale is very low in this department. And it starts with the four highest ranking people that he handpicked for himself and goes down to the lowest ranking officer. To me it shows complete dysfunction and failed leadership,” said George.

The mayor says the investigation should take a few weeks.

Read the full complaint below:

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