He is retiring after 34 years with the department.

“Working alongside the dedicated men and women of this Police Department and serving this great community for over 34 years has been an incredible honor,” Gourley said in a statement. “After my departure, I know the Police Department will continue to honor our core values by serving this City with integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and equity.”

Under his watch, a total of six Oklahoma City police officers were charged — but never convicted for — high-profile shootings. Those include the 2021 death of 15-year-old Stavian Rodriguez and 2020 death of 60-year-old Bennie Edwards.

When the charges were dropped, Gourley said his department has learned from the incidents. The department has been trained in de-escalation strategies, equipped with less-lethal equipment and crisis intervention.

“We are committed to continual improvement to ensure the people of Oklahoma City receive the professional and compassionate service everyone deserves,” he said in a written statement.

A news release from the city touted Gourley's efforts to change the way the police respond to mental health calls and the expansion of body-worn camera usage.

He led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of George Floyd by police in Minnesota.

Mayor David Holt praised Gourley for his work and response to issues on X (formerly Twitter).

In 2022, Oklahoma City Council received an 85-page report that had 39 recommendations for police related to de-escalation, community engagement and accountability.

Gourley was involved throughout.

“Chief Gourley didn’t obstruct, and was in fact an active participant,” Holt wrote. Then when the report came out with recommendations, “Chief Gourley publicly stated that they were reasonable. This was a critical leadership moment and I don’t take it for granted.”