City provides update on Police Chief’s leave

On Oct. 14, 2026, the City of Broken Arrow announced Police Chief Lance Arnold had been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

City administration has been steadfast in its commitment to respecting Chief Arnold's rights as an employee and respecting the integrity of the investigation by not discussing details of the inquiry. The objective is to ensure a fair and thorough investigation that carefully considers the facts, applicable law, departmental policies, and leadership responsibilities.

As City Manager Michael Spurgeon stated to Broken Arrow Sentinel, Channel 6, Channel 2, Fox 23 News, Tulsa World, and KRMG on Oct. 14, the investigation was necessary due to multiple matters the Legal Department brought to him in late September concerning the operations and management of the police department.

Chief Arnold has been advised of why he was placed on paid administrative leave, and the investigation is underway by an independent investigator from outside the Tulsa metro area.

Broken Arrow operates under a council-manager form of government in which the City Council adopts legislation, sets policy, and hires the City Manager. The City Manager has executive authority to carry out policies and oversee the local government's day-to-day operations. Among the City Manager's responsibilities is supervising two Assistant City Managers and the team of 17 department directors of which the chief of police is included.

As a council-manager statutory city, Broken Arrow must abide by the laws of the State of Oklahoma. Under Title 11, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 106, the City Council has the power to, among other things, make an inquiry into conduct and investigations of municipal affairs. However, Under Title 11, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 10-107, the City Council may not request the City Manager or other authority to appoint or remove employees. Under Oklahoma law, the determination of next steps following the conclusion of the investigation rests solely with the City Manager.

While we acknowledge the lack of details may lead to frustration for some, we hope the community understands the decision to conduct an internal investigation was not taken lightly and it must be done with strict adherence to organizational policies that protect an employee's rights and limits liability to the city. Upon the investigation's conclusion, another update will be provided.

The commitment to the people of Broken Arrow and their safety does not stop because of this investigation. It continues under the leadership of Acting Police Chief Scott Bennett with the City Council's and Administration's full support of all employees of the Broken Arrow Police Department.