Winter Weather Preparedness for Oklahoma Municipalities

As temperatures drop, OMAG’s Claims Department wants to ensure your municipality is ready for the challenges winter weather can bring. Preparation is key to reducing claims, protecting employees, safeguarding municipal property, and ensuring continuity of critical public services. Below are practical steps your teams can take now—before the first freeze—to minimize risk and keep your community safe.

Inspect and weatherproof facilities by sealing drafts around doors, windows, and utility penetrations, verifying proper insulation in attics and mechanical rooms, and ensuring roofs and gutters are clear of debris to prevent ice dams. Protect water supply systems by insulating exposed pipes, identifying shut-off valves and training staff on their use, and testing backup heating in critical pump houses and treatment facilities. Review HVAC performance by servicing furnaces and heat pumps ahead of winter, replacing filters, and confirming thermostats are functioning correctly.

Winterize municipal vehicles by inspecting batteries, tires, fluids, and wipers, stocking emergency kits with blankets, lights, ice melt, and first-aid supplies, and confirming fuel for generators and heavy equipment is treated for cold weather operation. Prepare snow and ice response equipment by testing sand spreaders and plows early and securing salt, sand, brine, and abrasives before demand increases.

Municipalities across the region are increasingly using beet juice mixed with salt brine as part of their winter road management strategy. This method is effective at temperatures as low as –20°F, reduces salt usage by up to 30–40%, is less corrosive on vehicles and infrastructure, and helps prevent ice from bonding to pavement. Additionally, it can be used before a storm hits to prevent ice from bonding in the first place. Although the red tint does no permanent damage to either vehicle or roadway, white beets are also an option.

Provide winter safety training that covers defensive driving, slip-resistance policies, and cold-stress illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Update emergency contact and staffing plans by maintaining current call trees, preparing standby schedules for severe weather, and reviewing continuity-of-operations plans for essential services.

Maintain sidewalks, parking lots, and public access areas by applying ice melt before storms, clearing snow and ice promptly, and documenting response activities. Improve signage and lighting by marking known slip hazards and ensuring adequate lighting in high-traffic outdoor areas.

Share service updates and closures through social media, websites, and emergency notification systems. Provide reminders about home winterization, safe travel, and staying clear of downed power lines. Encourage residents to report icy intersections or water line breaks quickly.

Use this quick reference for department heads:

Managing Sewer Systems: Lessons from Two Oklahoma Cases on Maintenance & Notice

Two Oklahoma appellate decisions—Spencer v. City of Bristow and Crestwood v. City of Oklahoma City—highlight the legal and operational risks cities face when sewer maintenance is reactive or poorly documented. In both cases, courts reversed summary judgments for municipalities, finding that questions of notice and reasonable care should be decided by a jury.

Case Summaries:

Spencer (2007): A homeowner experienced two raw-sewage floods in 2005. Although the City of Bristow acknowledged responsibility for sewer maintenance, it had no formal program and relied on responding to complaints. Testimony showed recurring backups and root issues near the property, yet no preventative measures were taken. The court ruled that a jury should determine whether the City used reasonable care and whether it had actual or constructive notice of defects.

Crestwood (2019): A 2017 sewer backup flooded the basement of Crestwood Vineyard Church with Category 3 water, requiring extensive remediation. Oklahoma City argued it lacked “reasonable notice” because there had been no complaints in five years. However, evidence showed the City used a complaint-based maintenance approach and lacked records of proactive inspections or repairs. The court found factual disputes about whether the City knew—or should have known—of system defects through ordinary diligence.

Key Legal Principals for Cities

• Sewer maintenance is a proprietary function, meaning municipalities can be liable for negligence or nuisance.

• A duty of reasonable care requires cities to maintain sewer lines in workable condition.

• Constructive notice is broadly interpreted: cities are expected to discover problems through routine inspection, not merely through customer reports.

• Comparative negligence applies, but cities remain responsible for their share of damages.

Common Maintenance Pitfalls

• Exclusive reliance on complaint-driven responses.

• Lack of documented preventative maintenance.

• Failure to employ available tools such as cameras or root cutters.

• Insufficient plans for recurring issues like root infiltration.

Implications & Best Practices

Cities should adopt and document grid-based inspection and cleaning programs, use technology for early detection, maintain detailed maintenance records, train staff on proactive care, and ensure policies align with GTCA requirements. Regular audits and emergency response plans further reduce risk and support legal defense.

Bottom line: Courts expect proactive sewer maintenance. Cities that document and implement preventative practices protect public health, limit liability, and reduce long-term costs.

Teamwork Matters: Why Fast, Thorough Communication with OMAG Protects Member & Their Residents

When a claim is filed, time immediately begins working for or against your municipality. This is especially true for SSO claims, where facts disappear quickly, emotions run high, and litigation becomes costly. Strong teamwork between OMAG and members is essential. OMAG’s mission is to protect members and residents by guiding the claims process, preserving evidence, evaluating liability, and preventing escalation into litigation. Once a claim becomes a lawsuit, exposure increases dramatically.

OMAG is your partner in investigations and claims handling, but partnership only works when communication is timely and complete. Delays in providing sewer questionnaires, CCTV results, or incident details make it harder to determine liability and increase the chance of disputes.

SSO claims are time sensitive. As water recedes and cleanup begins, critical evidence disappears. Prompt information allows OMAG to verify the incident and identify causes. CCTV inspection should occur as soon as possible. Without documentation, facts become harder to establish and easier to challenge.

Employees often try to reassure residents, but statements like “We’ll take care of it” or “This is our fault” can later be viewed as admissions of liability. These misunderstandings can escalate a manageable claim into a legal dispute.

Tort claim procedures also involve strict timelines. Delayed reporting increases the chance of missed deadlines and weakened protections. Early notice allows OMAG to safeguard your rights.

SSO Events Present Unique Challenges:

• Complex causes: blockages, roots, grease, storm events, system defects, or issues on private lines.

• Multiple parties: residents, utilities staff, contractors, and sometimes regulatory agencies.

Early Involvement Allows Us to Help You:

• Preserve photos, videos, logs, and SCADA data

• Document weather and system conditions

• Determine whether damage occurred on the public or private side

• Communicate consistently with affected residents

• Quick action reduces conflict and keeps claims from escalating unnecessarily.

Higher caps have also increased municipal exposure. A single SSO affecting multiple homes can mean significantly higher risk, and small mistakes—late reporting, missing evidence, unclear communication—can have larger consequences.

What Effective Teamwork Looks Like:

• Report incidents immediately.

• Document early and thoroughly.

• Coordinate internally and avoid assumptions about liability.

• Respond promptly to OMAG requests.

Early, thorough communication benefits everyone: faster answers for residents, reduced exposure for municipalities, and decreased litigation risk. Teamwork is a shield—by involving OMAG from the beginning, you protect your community, employees, and resources.

OMAG's Space Heater Roundup: Warming Up Safely for Winter

As the temperatures dip, nothing feels better than the cozy hum of a space heater. But before winter set in, OMAG rolled up its sleeves for our annual Space Heater Roundup—and it was a blast!

Our team gave every heater in the office the full treatment. Dust bunnies and a few dust buffalos were blown away with compressed air, cords and plugs got a careful once-over for damage, and each heater was tipped over to test its all-important shut-off switch. The verdict? A few heaters didn’t make the cut and were promptly retired—but the ones that passed earned a bright “sticker of completion,” a badge of honor proving they’re safe and ready to keep us warm all season long.

But the fun didn’t stop there! Employees got a refresher on space heater safety basics: always plug directly into the wall (never an extension cord), and give heaters plenty of breathing room—no papers, fabrics, or other flammable friends nearby. A little space makes a lot of difference.

Here’s the best part: we don’t want to keep the warmth and safety to ourselves. With cold weather around the corner, we encourage other cities and towns to hold their own space heater roundups. It is an easy task that integrates with your existing safety efforts, and provides the added benefit of fire prevention.

At OMAG, we believe safety doesn’t have to be boring—it can be empowering, even a little fun. This winter, let’s all stay warm, stay safe, and keep those heaters humming happily.

When Attention Becomes A Trap

In leadership, attention is one of our most powerful tools. When used well, it motivates and strengthens the connection between a leader and their team. But when used excessively or selectively, it can unintentionally create dependence, resentment, and mistrust.

The Problem with Too Much of a Good Thing

Leaders often give sudden attention to someone with the best of intentions—recognizing a win, encouraging performance, or supporting someone with potential. Yet when that attention becomes profuse and sustained, it can cross a subtle line.

This kind of “attention bombing” can make people feel special yet obligated, creating an unhealthy dynamic where a team member feels overly concerned about maintaining approval. While it may not always be deliberate, this behavior often stems from insecurity or a desire for control.

How It shows Up

Leaders who attention bomb tend to:

• Shower a specific person with praise and flattery,

• Communicate more frequently and personally with them,

• Offer access to exclusive projects, meetings, or information,

• Include them in “inner circle” activities.

Initially, this attention feels positive, but it fades as quickly as it appears. The leader shifts focus to someone new, leaving the former “favorite” confused or deflated.

The Impact on the Team

Teams quickly recognize the revolving favorite, and over time, this behavior erodes trust. Team members begin to question the sincerity of praise, resulting in skepticism. People may compete for attention or disengage altogether, diminishing collaboration and morale.

Breaking the Cycle

To overcome this habit, the first step is self-awareness. True leadership isn’t about intensity—it’s about consistency. A few ways to recalibrate:

• Distribute attention evenly and intentionally.

• Limit how much focus you place on any one person.

• Tie praise to specific behaviors or results.

• Rotate opportunities so everyone gains exposure and experience

By spreading attention and encouragement across the team, leaders foster an environment of fairness, trust, and shared purpose.

The Takeaway

Good leaders don’t “drop the bomb” on one person—they lift the whole team. The best leaders understand that consistent, balanced attention builds loyalty not to them, but to the mission and each other.

City Spotlight: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO) is owned and operated by the City of Stillwater and is one of only four airports in Oklahoma offering scheduled commercial air service. It is a strategic economic asset advancing Stillwater’s growth, competitiveness, and connectivity. Regional employers, major industry partners, and economic development organizations rely on SWO to support business operations, attract investment, and showcase Stillwater as a place to live, work, and grow.

The City has partnered with both the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Visit Stillwater, and together, have leveraged the airport as a key asset in promoting the community to industries and site selectors nationwide, supporting efforts to drive business expansion, tourism, and job creation.

SWO has long served as a key transportation asset for north-central Oklahoma and plays a strategic role in supporting mobility, economic development, and regional connectivity. Located between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, approximately 70 miles from each, the airport provides access to the national air transportation system through flights to and from Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on American Airlines. Service includes first-class and economy seating, supporting the travel needs of business, education, and institutional partners.

Beyond commercial service, SWO supports important community and economic relationships. Local employers, from advanced manufacturers to nationally recognized companies such as KICKER Audio, USA Rare Earth, and Kingspan, depend on SWO for efficient corporate travel, site visits, workforce recruitment, and regional partnerships.

The airport strengthens Oklahoma State University’s ability to recruit students, faculty, researchers, and athletic talent; supports travel for OSU Athletics, academic programs, and visitors; and houses the Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center, reinforcing Stillwater’s role as a hub for higher education, aviation education, events, and workforce development that drive local economic activity.

As Stillwater continues to see growth in industry and workforce development, reliable commercial air service remains an important tool in supporting business recruitment, employee travel, training opportunities, and regional partnerships. These partnerships reflect how municipal airport infrastructure can extend benefits beyond air service alone.

Operational efficiency and accessibility, and safety and security remain central to the airport’s function. Free parking and short security lines contribute to a streamlined passenger experience, while ground transportation options, such as the OSU-Stillwater Community Transit System, ride-share, and on-site car rentals support connectivity upon arrival.

Looking ahead, construction is well underway on a new terminal scheduled to open in August 2026, which will also align with the 10th anniversary of our partnership with American Airlines. The facility will expand capacity, improve functionality, and provide a world-class travel experience, support further economic growth, and position SWO to continue serving the region’s evolving transportation and air travel needs.

Stillwater Regional Airport is under the leadership of Director Kellie Reed. Learn more at flystillwaterok.com.

OMAG In Action (Volume 16)

OMAG In Action (Volume 15)

OMAG in Action: The Halloween Edition (interactive)

OMAG in Action - Interactive Story

The Halloween Edition

Out-of-this-world coverage. Tap Next to begin the mission.

Mission Briefing: Landing on a Fractured World

Welcome to this Halloween edition of OMAG in Action! Every year, we like to add a creative twist to the season. Last year, we guided you down the yellow brick road of Oz. This year, we’ve traveled across the stars, inspired by OMAG’s space-themed booth at the OML Conference. Our story begins when Bison I, the starship crewed by Oklahoma’s municipalities, received a distress signal from a fractured city on the outer rim. Its infrastructure was failing, its systems collapsing, and its people had nearly lost hope. After a hyper-speed journey, Bison I descended through turbulent skies and landed in the city’s core. What we found was a city in crisis. Buildings crumbled, networks flickered, and trust among the people was fractured. The mission: restore stability, repair what is broken, and prove that collaboration has no boundaries, not even the stars. One by one, OMAG’s departments deployed to rebuild, each bringing unique strengths to the effort. Together, they breathed life back into the city. This is their story.

Claims: First Responders on the Ground

The moment Bison I’s landing gear touched the cracked streets, the crew could see just how dire the situation was. Towers leaned dangerously, pipelines hissed with escaping vapor, and frightened citizens crowded the edges of the landing zone. The Claims team was the first to step forward, moving through the chaos with calm determination. Their mission was clear: assess the damage, stabilize the situation, and give people confidence that recovery was possible. They documented collapsed structures, inspected every broken system, and coordinated quick repairs to prevent further harm. To the citizens, it felt as if invisible shields had sprung up around their homes, turning panic into hope.

This is exactly what OMAG’s Claims Department does for your municipality. When unexpected incidents occur, like a city vehicle accident, a broken water main flooding a street, an employee injury, or even a major liability claim, our team acts as your first responder. We move quickly to investigate, gather details, and make sure your community is protected every step of the way.

Claims is not just about paperwork. It is about standing beside you when something goes wrong. We handle the stress of the process so your staff can focus on running the city. From small property losses to major events that could rattle an entire town, OMAG’s Claims team helps municipalities get back on their feet faster.

Practical Support

• Thorough investigations of claims, so you know every detail is considered.
• Fair and timely resolution, easing the burden on your leadership team.
• Compassionate communication, because we know claims can be stressful.

Legal & HR: Restoring Order Among the Stars

When Legal and HR arrived, they found confusion and conflict spreading faster than any physical damage. Laws were unclear, leadership was divided, and workers lacked direction. The Legal and HR teams joined forces to stabilize the situation. Legal reestablished the city’s governance framework. HR rebuilt trust and morale among its people. Together, they restored structure and unity, helping the city find its footing once again.

That same partnership defines OMAG’s Legal and Human Resources departments. Legal provides guidance on compliance, policy interpretation, and risk management, helping cities and towns avoid costly missteps and maintain confidence in their operations. HR complements that mission by focusing on the people behind the policies, offering training, leadership support, and access to OMAG’s Employee Assistance Program. From navigating complex regulations to fostering healthy, effective teams, both departments work together to protect and empower Oklahoma’s municipalities.

Practical Support

• Legal: Guidance on compliance, contracts, and risk prevention.
• HR: Leadership and employee support, sample policies, and EAP access.

Underwriting: Mapping the Way Forward

With the most urgent dangers stabilized, the crew needed direction. Streets crumbled into chasms, power lines tangled across districts, and hazards lurked at every turn. The Underwriting team unfurled glowing star charts, mapping the city’s weaknesses and charting safe paths forward. Their careful planning showed leaders where to focus their resources and how to rebuild with resilience. What once looked like chaos began to take shape as a strategic map for recovery.

This is what OMAG’s Underwriting team does for municipalities across the state. Insurance can sometimes feel like wandering through a galaxy of unknowns, but our underwriters analyze every detail, anticipate risks, and provide coverage designed to fit your unique needs.

Practical Support

• Guidance on policy choices and renewals.
• Assessments of potential risks to keep your city covered.
• Thoughtful planning to ensure municipalities are prepared for both today and tomorrow.

Navigation Notice: Stay on Course with Claim Deadlines

• 90 days from Date of Loss to file claims for Auto Damages
• 90 days from Date of Loss to file claims for 1st party Auto, Miscellaneous, or Mobile Equipment Damages
• Property Losses – 1 year from Date of Loss to file a claim
• Tort Claims – All 3rd party liability claims need to be filed in writing within 1 year of the Date of Loss

Anything filed beyond that is deemed statutorily denied.

Insurance Services: Rebuilding the Communications Array

As the recovery advanced, citizens still felt disconnected. Without reliable communication, they struggled to know where to go, what to do, or how to access help. The Insurance Services team activated massive communication arrays, ensuring every neighborhood received clear signals of support and guidance. Suddenly, hope was not just whispered. It was broadcast across the city.

This is what OMAG’s Insurance Services team does for our members. They travel across the state to connect directly with municipalities, review policies, and ensure that you understand your coverage. Beyond coverage, they highlight value-added services and grants, making sure you are aware of every resource available.

Practical Support

• Policy reviews that clarify your options.
• Access to grants and programs that strengthen resilience.
• Direct communication that keeps you informed and supported.

Finance & Technology: Powering Up the City’s Core

When the crew of Bison I reached the city’s underground core, they found flickering power lines and systems barely holding together. Working methodically, the Finance and Technology teams brought stability back to the planet’s infrastructure, restoring energy flow, reconnecting data networks, and ensuring every district could function again. Their mission was not just to bring the city back online. It was to make sure it stayed strong long after the ship departed.

That same spirit guides OMAG’s Finance and Technology departments here in Oklahoma. Together, they serve as the engine that powers everything we do, quietly ensuring our operations are smooth, our systems secure, and our members fully supported.

Finance oversees OMAG’s resources with precision and transparency. Every premium payment, financial transaction, and investment is handled carefully so members can trust that their contributions directly support strong coverage and meaningful value-added services. Their stewardship allows OMAG to continue offering stable rates, financial strength, and the reliability our members count on year after year.

Technology, meanwhile, powers the digital systems that connect OMAG to its members. From maintaining the secure Member Portal to managing online access to coverage details, claims information, and training tools, the Technology team ensures everything runs efficiently. They also lead our cybersecurity initiatives, protecting both OMAG and our members from the increasing digital threats municipalities face. Through our Cybersecurity Grant Program and ongoing technology support, we are helping cities and towns strengthen their defenses in a constantly changing environment.

Practical Support

• Finance: Transparent and dependable premium payment support, ensuring every member interaction is accurate and efficient.
• Technology: Secure access to the OMAG Member Portal, cybersecurity grant opportunities, and continuous improvement of our digital systems.

Risk Management: Training a City to Stand Strong

Even with power restored and structures rebuilt, the citizens still worried about the next disaster. Risk Management gathered them in the city square, teaching safety practices, providing new equipment, and showing leaders how to identify risks before they turned into crises. With every training session, the people grew stronger, more confident, and better prepared for what lay ahead.

That is the essence of OMAG’s Risk Management team. We do not just respond when things go wrong. We help you prevent problems before they happen. From safety training for city staff to specialized courses for law enforcement and public works, we equip municipalities to face risks with confidence.

Practical Support

• Free safety training and professional development.
• Grants for equipment, cameras, and sanitary sewer services.
• Risk assessments and on-site support to address hazards early.

Mission Complete: A City Restored

The once-faltering city now glows with renewed life. The mission to restore the city is complete. Not just because the damage was repaired, but because the people now have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to protect their home long after the ship leaves orbit.

As the crew looks down from the observation deck, the view is breathtaking: a city transformed through teamwork, expertise, and shared purpose. It is a vision that mirrors OMAG’s mission here in Oklahoma, helping communities rebuild, grow stronger, and face challenges with resilience.

Back home, OMAG’s departments continue their work every day, not on distant planets, but in the cities and towns that make up our state. Claims ensures that when the unexpected happens, help is already on the way. Underwriting provides the insight and foresight that keeps your coverage strong. Legal stands beside municipal leaders to navigate complex statutes and compliance. Insurance Services builds lasting connections and ensures members understand every aspect of their coverage. Finance and Technology power the systems and tools that keep OMAG running with precision and security. And Risk Management equips cities with the training, resources, and support they need to prevent the next crisis before it begins.

Each department plays a unique role, but together, they embody the same principles that guided the crew of Bison I: collaboration, preparation, and service. That partnership is what allows OMAG to stand apart, not simply as an insurance provider, but as a trusted ally invested in every community’s success.

Every training attended, every grant awarded, and every claim resolved strengthens the fabric of our collective mission: to protect Oklahoma’s municipalities and help them thrive. Like the citizens of the restored city, our members are empowered, informed, and ready to face the future with confidence.

As Bison I lifts from the surface, we are reminded that every mission begins and ends with the same truth. Together, we are stronger. And just like the stars that guided our fictional voyage, OMAG will continue to light the way for Oklahoma’s cities and towns, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Happy Halloween, and thank you for letting us serve beside you, from the heart of Oklahoma to the farthest reaches of imagination.

News & Events

Oklahoma Festivals & Events

• Oct 17–18: Poteau Balloon Fest – Poteau, OK
• Oct 18: Guthrie Wine and Craft Festival – Guthrie, OK
• Oct 18: Harvest Spoon Chili Festival – Okmulgee, OK
• Oct 22–26: Fall-A-Days – Woodward, OK
• Oct 24–25: McAlester Oktoberfest – McAlester, OK
• Oct 25: Stigler Rod and Custom Fest – Stigler, OK
• Oct 25: Wewoka Sorghum Festival – Wewoka, OK
• Oct 25–26: Altus Balloon Festival – Altus, OK
• Oct 25–26: Heavener Runestone Viking Festival – Heavener, OK
• Oct 31–Nov 1: Red Autumn Art Festival – Sallisaw, OK
• Oct 31–Nov 2: Choctaw Powwow – Durant, OK
• Nov 1: Another 48 Hours Music Festival – Atoka, OK
• Nov 1: Cotton Festival and Chili Cook-Off – Frederick, OK
• Nov 2: Woodward Dia de los Muertos Celebration – Woodward, OK
• Nov 8: Edmond International Festival – Edmond, OK
• Nov 14–16: Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show – Broken Bow, OK
• Nov 15: Chigger Chase – Ardmore, OK
• Nov 19–23: Rock Fest – Davis, OK
• Nov 21: Lights on Eufaula – Eufaula, OK
• Nov 28: Enid Lights Up the Plains – Enid, OK
• Nov 29: Hometown Christmas – Waynoka, OK
• Dec 2: Chocolate Festival – Clinton, OK
• Dec 4: Home for the Holidays – Tuttle, OK
• Dec 4: Old Tyme Christmas – Tonkawa, OK
• Dec 6: Honey Festival – Minco, OK
• Dec 20: Merry Mitchmas 5k & 10k – Edmond, OK
• Dec 31: Ringing In at Redbud – Owasso, OK

Upcoming Dates

• October 23–24 · OMJA Conference · Shawnee, OK
• October 27–29 · Sanitary Sewer Expo · Enid, OK
• October 29 · MCO Workshop · Moore, OK
• November 5–6 · MESO Fall Conference · Shawnee, OK
• November 5–7 · OCEA Basic Code Class · Oklahoma City, OK
• November 6 · MC&T Training · Woodward, OK
• November 6–7 · OAMA Fall Conference · Midwest City, OK
• November 13 · New Officials Institute · McAlester, OK
• November 19 · OMHRP · OMAG Training Room
• December 3 · LocalGovU Train-the-Admin

Quarterly Riddle

I AM EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE. I STRETCH ACROSS GALAXIES YET FIT INSIDE A SINGLE SPARK. I CONNECT EVERY PLANET, EVERY SIGNAL, AND EVERY HEARTBEAT OF THE STARS. YOU CANNOT SEE ME, BUT WITHOUT ME, NOTHING MOVES, NOTHING CHANGES, NOTHING LIVES.

Answer: Energy.

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Addressing the High Cost of Bad Law Enforcement Hires

A recent article from Lexipol addressed the need to conduct adequate background investigations for potential law enforcement officers.

Recruiting and retaining quality personnel has always been a challenge in law enforcement. In today’s climate, making sound hiring decisions is more important than ever. Poor hiring choices can result in severe consequences—ranging from performance issues and low morale to legal liability and loss of public trust.

In the Lexipol webinar, “Why Law Enforcement Hires Go Bad—And What We Can Do About It,” panelists Gordon Graham, Lexipol Co-Founder, and Bruce “Coach Sok” Sokolove, Principal at Field Training Associates, shared insights drawn from a combined 107 years of experience in law enforcement. This was the first session in a two-part series addressing critical hiring failures and actionable solutions.

The True Cost of a Bad Hire

Both Graham and Sok emphasized that a single poor hiring decision can damage not just an agency, but the entire profession. Hiring someone with the wrong temperament or inadequate skillset can lead to morale problems, increased liability exposure, and reduced public confidence.

Graham stated, “Every time we see a tragedy in law enforcement—an excessive use of force, an officer-involved shooting gone wrong, a scandal—it almost always traces back to hiring. If we don’t fix recruitment, we’ll never fix the profession.”

Sok noted that many agencies fail to treat recruitment as a strategic function. Instead, they simply post vacancies and wait—what he calls the “post and pray” approach—resulting in candidates who may not possess the work ethic, judgment, or resilience necessary for police work.

Improving the Background Investigation Process

A major takeaway from the webinar was the importance of conducting thorough background investigations. Both panelists stressed that skipping or rushing this step can have devastating consequences.

Graham cautioned, “A dollar properly spent on a background check can save you a million dollars in lawsuits.” In several high-profile cases, officers with known red flags—DUIs, past terminations, or misconduct—were hired and later involved in major incidents.

Common mistakes in background checks include:

• Failing to contact previous employers: Verifying only dates of employment misses important context. Agencies must actively investigate performance and reason for departure.

• Overlooking past misconduct: Officers who leave under questionable circumstances should not be allowed to re-enter the profession unchecked.

• Neglecting to verify credentials: Candidates sometimes exaggerate or fabricate training and education. “Trust, but verify,” as President Reagan said.

Best Practices for Safer Hiring

To strengthen your agency’s hiring practices:

• Use a “Waiver for Lateral Hires” to access full personnel files. Graham notes that half of lateral applicants will withdraw when asked to sign it.

• Require mandatory ride-alongs to evaluate candidate fit early in the process.

• Vet all prior military and employment history, including reviewing DD214 forms for service members.

While uncovering disqualifying information may seem like a setback, it ultimately protects your agency from long-term risk and wasted resources.

OMAG Is Here to Help

OMAG offers tools and support to assist your agency with comprehensive background investigations. For assistance or more information, contact OMAG’s Law Enforcement Specialist, Kevin J. Katz, or visit our background resources page: https://www.omag.org/law-enforcement#background