Jonathan Brooks Sworn In as Tulsa Police Chief

The veteran officer took the oath of office following a national search conducted by the city's leadership.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a traditional stone and brick municipal building facade, representing institutional police leadership. — Jonathan Brooks was sworn in as Tulsa's new police chief on September 28, following a national search led by Mayor Monroe Nichols. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jonathan Brooks was sworn in as the new Tulsa Police Chief at the Tulsa Police Academy on September 28, 2026. He succeeds outgoing chief Dennis Larsen, who is retiring after a 48-year career in law enforcement.

Why it matters

The appointment marks a leadership transition for the department, with Brooks stepping into the role after Mayor Monroe Nichols conducted a national search for a successor to the long-serving Larsen.

Chief Brooks joined the department in 1998, bringing 28 years of local experience to the command position. His predecessor, Dennis Larsen, concludes his tenure after a 48-year career in law enforcement.

The players

Jonathan Brooks

The new Tulsa Police Chief who previously served as the department's deputy chief.

Dennis Larsen

The retiring Tulsa Police Chief who is concluding a 48-year career in law enforcement.

Monroe Nichols

The Mayor of Tulsa who oversaw the national search process to select the new police chief.

The details

Jonathan Brooks, who previously served as deputy chief, assumes leadership after working alongside Larsen for one month to ensure a smooth transition. Mayor Monroe Nichols selected Brooks for the role following an extensive national search for a new head of the department.

Brooks joined the Tulsa Police Department in 1998.
Jonathan Brooks was sworn in as police chief on September 28, 2026.
Dennis Larsen retirement takes effect September 30, 2026.

Market Landscape

This transition follows the professional standard of conducting a national search to fill key municipal executive roles. The move positions the Tulsa Police Department to integrate internal expertise with the broader administrative goals set by the mayor.

Residents may notice shifts in departmental administration or community outreach strategies as the new chief assumes command. The transition to Chief Brooks follows a structured handoff period, suggesting continuity for essential city services.

The takeaway

The appointment of a long-term deputy chief ensures a bridge between existing departmental knowledge and new executive leadership. Success in this role often depends on how effectively a chief can balance established institutional practices with the vision of the current mayor.