Ask Jenks with Craig Murray

This episode of 'Ask Jenks' features City of Jenks Director of Communications, Katie Butterfield, in conversation with Counselor Craig Murray. They discuss the city's recent growth and how the Jenks City Council, along with the police and fire departments, have prepared for and responded to these changes, focusing on public safety.

Key Takeaways

• Jenks has been recognized as one of the safest suburbs in Oklahoma by Smart Assets.

• The city has actively worked to increase staffing for both the fire and police departments.

• A new, state-of-the-art fire station is under construction.

• Public safety departments are engaged in community outreach and proactive policing.

Jenks' Recognition as a Safe City

It's pretty impressive to hear that Jenks has been named one of the safest suburbs in Oklahoma. This recognition comes from an organization called Smart Assets, which looked at crime statistics from all over the country. They analyzed data on violent crimes, domestic incidents, and auto thefts from 370 different areas, including 100 large cities. Based on all this information, Jenks really stood out as a safe place to live.

Addressing Growth with Enhanced Public Safety

With all the new growth in Jenks, it's natural for people to wonder how public safety is affected. Counselor Craig Murray, who has a background as a retired Tulsa police officer, shared his insights. He explained that any time you add more people and traffic, there's a potential for increased crime. However, he emphasized that Jenks' first responders, both police and fire, do an excellent job. The city council and leadership are also very committed to public safety.

To keep up with the growth, the city has taken several steps:

• Fire Department: Thanks to a SAFER grant, the fire department was able to hire six new firefighters. They are also building a brand-new fire station across from City Hall to replace the old one, which had some issues like water leaks and mold. This new station will be state-of-the-art, offering better facilities for training and housing new equipment.

• Police Department: The police department has also been working to expand its team, hiring five new police officers. This increase in staff is important to manage the demands that come with more people and activity in the city, especially with new developments like the outlet mall.

Community Engagement and Proactive Policing

Beyond just staffing and facilities, the Jenks police and fire departments are known for their positive interactions with the community. Citizens often share stories about officers going above and beyond, like helping people get bus tickets or rescuing animals from sewers. This community-focused approach is a big part of why Jenks feels so safe.

When the outlet mall opened, the police department worked closely with mall security to ensure everything went smoothly. While there were a few minor incidents like car break-ins and shoplifting, Chief Jackson noted that these were manageable due to the proactive policing and the increased number of officers on the street. The fact that apprehensions are being made shows that the police are actively addressing issues.

Going the Extra Mile: Child Passenger Safety

Counselor Murray also highlighted a specific program that shows the dedication of Jenks' first responders: child passenger safety. A large percentage of firefighters and a good number of police officers are trained in child car seat safety. They volunteer their time to help parents and caregivers properly install car seats, which is a fantastic way to keep children safe on the road. This kind of community involvement really builds trust and strengthens the relationship between the public and the police and fire departments.

If you need a car seat installed or checked, you can visit the Jenks fire or police station, and a certified team member will assist you. It’s a great service that demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of Jenks residents.