Oklahoma County’s first Black sheriff Sworn In

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma County’s first-ever Black sheriff was sworn in on Monday.

Republican Tommie Johnson III took the oath of office during a ceremony at his former high school.

Johnson, who was elected in November, said the first issue he plans to tackle is finding funding to outfit deputies with body cameras.

“What we’re going to do is see where we can trim the fat at and get that accomplished because that is our first initiative and we will do everything we can to get that because it’s good for the officers and it’s good for the community,” Johnson said. “It’s good to just get an unbiased representation of the scene and I think that’s great for everyone.”

Johnson said he also wants to build a better relationship between his agency and the public.

Johnson began his law enforcement career with the University of Oklahoma. He later was an officer with the Norman Police Department.