Statement from Sen. Kevin Matthews on resignation of Tulsa County Undersheriff

Sen. Kevin Matthews released the following statement Monday afternoon following the resignation of Tulsa County Undersheriff Tim Albin. A 2009 internal review found that Albin had asked employees to modify reviews and training documentation for the reserve deputy, Robert Bates. Bates shot Eric Harris on April 2 saying he mistook his handgun for a stun gun. The incident took place in Senate District 11, which Sen. Matthews represents.

“Based upon the information shared with my office by the Harris’ attorney and what information has been made public so far, I’m still troubled by the lack of transparency in the Tulsa County Sheriff’s office.

I will continue to meet with the family to address the tragic loss of their loved one as well as work with the community to bring further transparency to the policies and practices of our Tulsa County law enforcement agencies. I’m working with local pastors as well as retired and current law enforcement officers from around the country to also identify possible policy and procedure changes that can be made to avoid further incidents like this one.

Although Undersheriff Albin resigned, we look forward to full transparency related to his past role and expect that all involved in this tragic event will be held to the highest level of accountability. There are many more issues surrounding this shooting that must be addressed and we look forward to justice being served.”