Chief on leave cites silence order

Broken Arrow Police Chief Lance Arnold addressed reporters on Wednesday regarding his recent placement on administrative leave.

Arnold's attorney, D. Mitchell Garrett Jr., stated that the city sent a letter to the chief before the press event. The document instructed Arnold to make no further statements, either personally or through intermediaries, for the duration of his leave. Garrett argued that while employers can direct their employees, they cannot dictate the actions of private citizens outside of work.

Arnold disclosed that his family learned of his leave status through media reports before he could inform them directly. He noted that his wife and two sons read the news on their phones before he arrived home. "My wife and my two sons read it on their phone before I could even get home and tell her myself," Arnold said.

The chief stated he intends to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. He said he will attend the city's interview and answer its questions. Arnold confirmed he has preserved all materials the city requested and will follow the directives provided during his leave. "I want a fair investigation and I intend to cooperate with it," he said.

Garrett noted that the city has not yet disclosed the specific accusations against the chief. The law firm and several news organizations, including KJRH, have submitted open records requests that remain unfulfilled. Garrett said many parties have requested an email package related to the matter. He stated the city released the package to one outlet and asked the city to post it on its website and provide it to all other media groups.

In a Monday statement, Garrett said Arnold acknowledged a policy violation in a March email and accepted ultimate responsibility. The department subsequently retrained officers on warrantless arrests and entries. Garrett added that the city has not provided further details regarding the allegations or the specific policies at issue.

Broken Arrow city officials told KJRH 2 News they had no comment at this time because the investigation is ongoing.