TULSA, Okla. (AP) — The interim sheriff in the Oklahoma county where a volunteer fatally shot an unarmed man during a sting operation says she wants to shut down the reserve deputy program.
Tulsa County Interim Sheriff Michelle Robinette told The Associated Press on Thursday that she'll recommend ending the program, which has about 120 members. She says scrapping the program would be the only way to ensure future reserve deputies are properly trained.
However, a final decision on the future of the suspended program lies with incoming sheriff, who will take office next month after a special election.
Robinette says if the program is ever reinstated, all volunteer deputies should be required to reapply.
Robinette also announced plans for sweeping changes at the sheriff's office after an outside review criticized the way the agency was being run.