OKC Police Hope Officer Arrest Does Not Impact Public's Trust

Friday, August 22nd 2014, 8:59 pm

By: News 9

OKC Police Hope Officer Arrest Does Not Impact Public's Trust

Today, the Oklahoma City Police Department released three reports in connection with the arrest of Officer Daniel Holtzclaw. More reports are expected, but the agency hopes this does not erode the public's trust in their department.

“We're hoping this does not affect our public trust, but we know it probably will and it can,” Captain Dexter Nelson with the Oklahoma City Police Department said.

Captain Nelson confirms, so far, half a dozen women have identified Holtzclaw as the officer who sexually assaulted them, and police used GPS and other surveillance to place Holtzclaw at the scenes.

8/22/2014 Related Story: Court Documents Reveal New Details About Allegations Against OKC Police Officer

Police say the reported crimes all occurred between Lincoln Boulevard and Interstate 35, as well as between N.E. 14th and N.E. 50th Streets.

Some of the women were pulled over and violated while they were walking down the street, and one woman claims she was raped.

One victim, whose identity we are protecting, had the courage to talk to News 9.

“I'm still living in fear, just a little bit, but it gets better day by day,” she said.

8/21/2014 Related Story: Woman Who Sparked OCPD Officer Investigation Speaks Out

Police say there is no reason for the general public to fear an officer.

“But if a person doesn't feel comfortable during a traffic stop, you can call 911, stay on the line with 911 during that traffic stop, but leave the 911 call open that way a dispatcher can at least hear what is going on,” Captain Nelson said.

Police continue their investigation into whether there are any more victims out there who came in contact with Holtzclaw while he was patrolling his area.

“But we would hope that our citizens understand that this is a small segment of our department, and we try as best we can to weed these officers out, because it causes us a great deal of problems,” said Captain Nelson. “So, we're going to search them out as actively and aggressively as we can to get them identified.”

8/21/2014 Related Story: OCPD Officer Arrested For Alleged Rape, Sexual Battery

Right now, Daniel Holtzclaw is being held in the Oklahoma County jail on a $5 million bond. He is on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.

Formal charges are expected to be filed next week.