City Manager Michael Spurgeon placed Broken Arrow Police Chief Lance Arnold on paid administrative leave Wednesday, Oct. 14, pending an internal investigation.
Deputy Chief Scott Bennett will serve as acting police chief effective immediately, according to a statement from the city. Spurgeon called the situation a personnel matter and said no further details would be released while the investigation is ongoing.
Spurgeon told KJRH the investigation concerns decisions made within the police department but did not identify the decisions or explain what prompted the review. He said the city’s legal department would coordinate the investigation and submit its findings to him. He declined to say whether outside agencies would be involved.
"The City Council and City Administration recognize and understand the potential interest and questions this personnel decision may generate due to the position's profile in the community," Spurgeon said, according to the Broken Arrow Sentinel. "Citizens can rest assured that their safety and well-being remain the top priority in Broken Arrow."
The city's statement also expressed confidence in Bennett, saying leadership "offers its full support" to the acting chief to lead the department during the transition.
KTUL’s Wednesday afternoon update includes a statement from FOP Lodge 170 supporting Arnold and criticizing the lack of advance notice to employees.
Arnold was sworn in as Broken Arrow's 10th police chief on Jan. 7, 2025, at a ceremony at the Broken Arrow High School Event Center. Nearly 300 people attended, according to a city announcement at the time. He succeeded Brandon Berryhill, who retired.
Before coming to Broken Arrow, Arnold served seven years as chief of police in Weatherford, Texas, where he also held the titles of director of public safety and assistant city manager. He spent more than 20 years with the Norman Police Department before that.
A December 2025 profile listed the department as having 168 sworn officers and 65 professional staff, serving roughly 122,000 residents.
KTUL and KJRH both reported the announcement Wednesday morning.
The city said it would not provide additional comment while the investigation continues.
