On Call in Tulsa: A patrol shift, a traffic stop and an arrest with Tulsa County Sheriff’s deputy

In “On Call,” the Tulsa Flyer follows people on jobs requiring 24/7 coverage. 

Flyer photojournalist Milo Gladstein spent the morning of July 20 riding along with Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nick Stephens, who typically patrols the northern part of Tulsa County near Turley. He has been in law enforcement for 13 years, choosing that career field after taking a personality test. In addition to his job on patrol, Stephens serves as a field training officer. 

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office employs more than 600 personnel in the areas of detention, court services and operational divisions. 

That morning, Stephens initiated a routine traffic stop after noticing an obstructed windshield. He obtained permission to search the vehicle and found a liquid-loaded syringe in the center console. 

A field test determined it to be methamphetamine. The suspect also had an arrest warrant for a previous driving without a license infraction. The man was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and for the outstanding warrant.

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