Survey Seeks Troopers' Input on DPS Leader's Job Performance

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma troopers are weighing on senior management at the Department of Public Safety. The president of the State Troopers Association initiated the poll after he says DPS Commissioner Kevin Ward was the subject of unfair criticism.

Recent media coverage of the highway patrol has not been entirely favorable and as a result, there is a growing concern inside the ranks over how the department is being run.

Troop leaders sent out an e-mail asking for the input of Department of Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward. It asks for their opinion --good, bad or none at all-- on the job performance of Commissioner Ward. Trooper Association President Russell Knoke initiated the poll.

"He's getting beat up in the Oklahoma City media and I just wanted to get a statewide feel for his performance," Knoke said.

But Knoke admits that the criticism goes beyond the media.

"There are members of a group or an entity within the patrol that doesn't feel like he's doing a good job," Knoke said.

That belief may have been triggered by recent events. Trooper Daniel Martin's scuffle with a paramedic back in May was caught on cell phone video and got national attention. DPS initially refused to release the dash cam video of the entire incident. It later changed its mind and Martin received an unpaid suspension.

This month, NEWS 9 learned of three troopers who left their posts at the governor's mansion without authorization and falsified timesheets so they would get paid for work they did not complete. Two of them received unpaid suspensions, but remain at the mansion. One was reassigned to the state Capitol.

Despite that, Knoke says Commissioner Ward is doing a fine job and says we shouldn't read too much into this survey.

"It's not a scientific survey, it's just asking a bunch of guys their opinion," Knoke said.

But could that lead to his removal from office?

"I would say not," Knoke said.

There is growing speculation among some elected officials that Commissioner Ward will tender his resignation in a few weeks. Ward sent a statement to the NEWS 9 newsroom:

"I am pleased to hear that the OSTA supports my efforts as the Commissioner of public safety, and consider it to be a tremendous honor to serve in this capacity. I have no other intention, but to complete my commitment to Governor Henry, the Department of Public Safety, and the citizens of this Great state. " 

An e-mail from Governor Henry's office says the governor has full confidence in Ward's leadership.