The Tulsa Police Department stayed in-house for its new police chief Thursday, promoting nearly 30-year TPD veteran Jonathan Brooks.
Brooks, the current deputy chief, will replace Dennis Larsen, who is retiring effective Sept. 30 after more than 47 years in the department. He was named police chief in May 2024.
“I want the people of Tulsa to know something that’s very simple; your safety will be our priority,” Brooks said at a news conference before a standing-room-only crowd in a City Hall boardroom. “We will pursue those who victimize others.
“We will protect those who cannot protect themselves. We will stand with victims, and we will work to prevent crime before it happens. And when you call us on the worst day of your life, the men and women of the Tulsa Police Department will be there.”
Brooks leads TPD’s Administrative Bureau and during his law enforcement career has spearheaded many programs, including the department’s Sobering Center, Community Policing and the 911 COPES Diversion Program.
“He is a leader who will lead with clarity, consistency and accountability,” Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols said. “He has a record of stepping up and taking on difficult tasks, including implementing some of the most forward-thinking programs in our city’s history...
“I trust Jonathan to the task of leading one of the finest agencies in the country in our quest to become America’s safest big city. Change doesn’t happen overnight. But there isn’t a person in the country more ready to lead us to that change than Jonathan Brooks.”
Brooks will become the city’s 42nd police chief.
"Jonathan Brooks is the perfect choice to lead the Tulsa Police Department,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “He has been the consummate professional in his three decades with the department, and his diversity of duties as a public servant speaks highly of his qualifications.
“The Tulsa Regional Chamber is a huge advocate of public safety, and we look forward to furthering that priority with Chief Brooks in the coming years.”