Defining Moment with Chief Tarver: Breaking Barriers

Former Oklahoma police officer Nate Tarver recounts his law enforcement career path from the 1970s to present. He begins as the first Black officer in Moore, OK facing racism. Later he joined the Oklahoma City force, rising in rank and mentoring others who became high-ranking officers. Tarver shares how he created a school liaison program and taught DARE, influencing youth like Rob Allen who later credited Tarver for impacting his career. Tarver becomes Deputy Chief at the University of Oklahoma before accepting the Chief of Police role at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Throughout his career, Tarver values mentoring other officers and seeing the positive impact he made on people's lives.