'Time to work' | Chief Lance Arnold takes reins of BAPD
Jan 07, 2025
Broken Arrow rolled out the red carpet for its new police chief, Lance Arnold. With the grand welcome now over, the grand task begins.Theres been enough pomp and circumstance, so now its just time to get back to work, Chief Lance Arnold said.City leaders selected Arnold about a month ago.He officially took the reins of the department from Brandon Berryhill with an oath of office taken during a Jan. 7 ceremony.Arnold left the chiefdom in Weatherford, Texas for Broken Arrow.I know that people talk a lot about Texas, but I just wanted to come back for the people, the opportunities that are here, that are just amazing, Arnold said.Arnold takes over a department with mounting challenges. Crime, especially larceny and domestic violence cases, are on the rise. Thats according to BAPDs own stats. Were looking for outcomes, the stats are one thing, Arnold said, Do our citizens feel safe? Do they feel safe at night in their neighborhoods? Those are the things that really are the outcomes that were trying to seek.One citizen hell be serving: Steve Cawood.Ive been here since about 85, 86, never had any problems. Its growing a lot, Cawood said.His family owns the 1907 Mercantile in Broken Arrow. That growth hes seen is right in line with the police department.I can remember, it seemed like there was one cop per shift, now theres like 40 per shift, Cawood said.It was back in August when four BAPD officers were accused of misconduct. Three were fired and one retired. SEE MORE >>> 2 News Oklahoma's coverage of the misconduct allegations2 News asked Chief Arnold how he plans to hold his officers to account.You can have as many policies as you want, but at the end of the day its a commitment to our core values, Arnold said, Its leading by example first and foremost, but its also letting people know, accountability and integrity are core values for us.Were gonna hold our officers and our professional staff accountable when they dont uphold those standards of our department.Arnold plans to spend his first full day in office meeting with community leaders.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram SUBSCRIBE on YouTube