OHP shifts responsibilities to metros as it realigns resources
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Effective in November, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will reallocate its troopers to areas that have the largest need for Patrol.
OHP believes that the professional law enforcement agencies within metropolitan areas are equipped to provide public safety services.
OHP will shift its valuable resources out of the two top metropolitan areas, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, to Oklahoma interstates and highways with significant traffic volume.
For the Oklahoma City metro, OHP will entrust responsibility for all Instates inside the incorporated city limits to Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and Del City.
The transitions will start taking place on November 1.
Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), Chief Todd Gibson, released the following statement:
The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police have been briefed with additional information concerning the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s decision to redistribute patrol resources. At this time, each department is independently evaluating any potential operational impacts and determining the appropriate course of action based on the specific needs of their communities.
Chief Todd Gibson, Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP)
The OACP respects that the deployment of Oklahoma Highway Patrol resources falls within the jurisdiction and discretion of that agency. Our priority remains providing the highest level of service to the communities we serve, utilizing the resources entrusted to us by our residents.
We remain committed to maintaining public safety across the region.