OWASSO, Okla. — 2 News Oklahoma learned Owasso police disciplined one officer and changed social media policies following two controversial Facebook posts, which many in the community deemed as racist or unprofessional.
What Happened?
In July 2025, the Owasso Police Department faced big backlash for using stereotypes and gang language to promote a blood drive event on social media.
“You’re especially targeting people of color. And you think it’s a funny joke. That’s not,” Sultana Xiong, an Owasso mom, told 2 News in July. “It’s insensitive, disrespectful, and just not classy.”
On July 28, OPD announced an investigation into the incident. 2 News reported we would continue to update the situation and committed to doing that.
The Investigation Lingered
One month later, in August, 2 News is told the investigation is still ongoing.
We waited six months, and emailed on January 21.
The Result
In a statement, Owasso Police Chief Jason Woodruff said the Professional Standards Division investigated the incident and the officer who made the post was disciplined.
It did not detail the disciplinary measures taken. Woodruff said that, as a result of the incident, the City of Owasso updated its social media policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Woodruff declined 2 News Oklahoma’s requests for an interview.
WATCH: Controversial social media post prompts Owasso policy change:
However, City of Owasso officials promptly responded to our requests under the Open Records Act.
We asked for the previous social media policies, the updated social media policies, and a copy of the email that shows the updated policies were disseminated to employees.
The original policy already prohibited abuse or discriminatory content. The changes?
- The updated version elaborates, specifying anything that could be perceived as offensive, culturally insensitive, or perpetuating stereotypes.
- There is also a more detailed list of what content can, and cannot, be posted.
The updated policy applies not only to the police department but also to 13 departments within the City of Owasso with a social media presence.
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