WHY is OKLAHOMA CITY 7th in the NATION FOR MURDER?
According to 2013 data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma City is the 9th most violent city in the nation for cities with populations greater than 500,000. Detroit came in first followed by Baltimore, Memphis, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Columbus, Ohio. Houston was 10th. Oklahoma City also ranked 7th in 2013 for murder. In 2012, the city saw a 46 percent increase in homicide.
Meanwhile, the FBI ranks Austin as the third safest city in the nation.
The rankings are determined based on per capita incidences of murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft.
How did we get here?
Mike Walker, a nationally-recognized law enforcement consultant and graduate of the prestigious Wharton School of Business, will answer that question at a Town Hall Meeting on Public Safety next week. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 13, at the Francis Tuttle Campus at Reno and Rockwell. (7301 West Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City, 73127; Phone: 405.717.7799). Attendees may park and enter on the east side.
Walker conducted a public safety study for the City of Oklahoma City five years ago. In a 2009 presentation to members of the city council, Walker outlined how the city was woefully understaffed with police officers. According to Dr. Shadid, Ward 2 Councilman, Walker recommended the city hire an additional 250-300 police officers. The city ignored the recommendation and continued to operate at 1996 staffing levels despite a population increase of 150,000.
“We chose the Reno campus because of its close proximity to one of the most crime-riddled areas of Oklahoma City,†said Shadid who is running for mayor.
The four-square mile district is located between Meridian Avenue and Council Road running east to west, and Melrose Lane and NW 27th Street running south to north.
Shadid, who is running for mayor of Oklahoma City, will also speak.
About Mike Walker:
Walker has nearly 30 years of extensive experience helping public-sector clients improve their organization, management, and operations. He has conducted studies for more than 75 local and state governments, including all aspects of law enforcement operations. He is a graduate with honors from Williams College and holds an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School of Business.
Law enforcement consulting experience
Ocala, Florida Police Department
Dallas, Texas Police Department
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Police Department
St. Louis, Missouri Police Department
Kansas City, Missouri Police Department
Scottsdale, Arizona Police Department
St. Paul, Minnesota Police Department
District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department Memphis, Tennessee Police Department
Ardmore, Oklahoma Police Department
Beverly Hills, California Police Department Independence, Missouri Police Department
Lake County, Illinois Sheriff’s Department
Midland, Texas Police Department
Flint, Michigan Police Department
Newport, Rhode Island Police Department
Santa Monica, California Police Department
Auburn, New York Police Department
Phoenix, Arziona Police Department
Florida Highway Patrol
Experience conducting reviews of all local government departments
Houston, Texas
Culver City, California
Pensacola, Florida
Oxnard, California
Rockingham County, North Carolina Stratford, Connecticut
Marblehead, Massachusetts
North Platte, Nebraska
West St. Paul, Minnesota Wilson County, North Carolina Scranton, Pennsylvania
Other Experience
Mr. Walker has conducted reviews of fire departments in Thornton, Colorado; Dallas, Texas; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Memphis, Tennessee; Arlington County, Virginia; Auburn, New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Ottawa, Ontario; Pensacola, Florida; and Texas City, Texas. Other local governments he has served include Jefferson and Summit counties, Colorado; Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama; Stockton, and Riverside County, California; Boca Raton, Florida; Flint, Dawson County, Nebraska; North Bergen and Middlesex County, New Jersey; Cayuga County, New York; and High Point, North Carolina.
State governments Mr. Walker has served include the Florida departments of State and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration; the New Jersey departments of Military and Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services; and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Before joining Berkshire Advisors, Mr. Walker was for seven years the leader of Towers Perrin’s General Management Services Public Sector Practice. Prior to becoming a consultant, Mr. Walker worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the U.S. departments of Energy, Labor and Agriculture; Prince George’s County, Maryland; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.