The Friends of The Owasso Police Department are looking for motivated individuals to form a new committee of citizens dedicated to raising money for the purchase of critically needed equipment which could not be reasonably purchased in the annual budget.
Owasso has grown and proven to be a great place to live and raise a family due to a variety of reasons. Two of the most critical are the “school systems” and the sense of safety provided by ” Owasso Emergency Services”. While the recent growth of Owasso has dramatically increased in the past few years , the size of the budget for the police department has not risen at the same rate. While we still enjoy a relatively safe environment, crime has been on the rise. Now is the time to act and stay in front of the crime rate. Many of you have heard the City of Owasso is proposing a half percent sales tax increase. If approved the police department will get 35% of the increase. This money will be targeted on employing additional Officers and the equipment directly associated with the increase in officers. This leaves a void for support equipment that would directly increase the police departments ability to keep us safe. An example would be equipment for a crime lab. Currently, all of our forensic evidence has to be gathered and sent to Tulsa to be processed. This significantly delays obtaining actionable evidence used to solve crimes in a timely manner.
This committee of citizens will develop and implement fund raising programs and activities to provide funds for a prioritized list of needs provided by the police department.
The first organizational meeting will be held at the Owasso Community Center on October 9th at 6:00pm. At this meeting, the needs of the police department and the general idea of the program will be presented. Citizens can decide afterwards whether they desire to become a member of this committee. The police department will also have additional information and sign-up sheets at their booth at “The Gathering on Main” on October 2nd.
If you need additional information or are interested but cannot attend the meeting please call David Vines at 918-272-2750.
