Tulsa is looking for a new police chief. This is a difficult job that involves a lot more politics than it used to.

Police these days have to deal with video cameras, protesters, charges of racism, surprise attacks, terrorism and liberal judges. Tulsa police operate in a civilian culture now that winks at marijuana usage, illegal immigration and casino gambling. Every action is scrutinized and there is some good from that. But second guessing police action is easier watching a video than it is when you are there and being threatened by a suspect.

Police shouldn’t hassle or arrest someone because of his or her race. But the public needs to respect law enforcement because they are there primarily to protect us and our families.

There is an effort underway to drastically reduce Oklahoma’s prison population. And some of that is good. But criminals are smart. If you reduce the penalty for crime, there is more incentive to break the law.

Tulsa has been able to escape the major racial conflicts that have occurred around the nation in the past few years. That is due a lot to the even-handed police work and decisive action by the Tulsa County Sheriff and Tulsa County District Attorney.

The new police will face many challenges. Let’s hope that city officials pick the right candidate.