The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is a major state law enforcement agency of the government of Oklahoma. A division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, the OHP has traffic enforcement jurisdiction throughout the state. OHP was legislatively created on July 1, 1937, due to the growing problem of motor vehicle collisions, the expansion of highway systems, and the increase in criminal activities.
As the principal statewide law enforcement agency in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is dedicated to providing quality policing, directed primarily at achieving safer roadways and reducing crime through pro-active investigations, education and patrol services, and by providing leadership and resources during natural disasters, civil disorders and critical incidents. OHP has patrol jurisdiction over all state highways and waterways in Oklahoma, regulating motor vehicles, regulating explosive devices, and providing protection for the Governor of Oklahoma, the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma and members of the Oklahoma Legislature.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is under the command of Pat Mays, who is the current Chief of Patrol. Chief Mays was appointed by DPS Commissioner Tim Tipton to succeed Sugg as chief.
History
Operational history
In 1937, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was created under Governor E. W. Marland. That same year the first 125 graduated from the Highway Patrol Academy. The new state troopers met resistance from Oklahoma motorists who were not used to living within the bounds of traffic regulations when none had ever before existed. But the troopers were prepared for this as they paved the way for all future officers by exerting good manners and service to all citizens. A total of 288,277 warnings compared with only 5,518 arrests and citations were written in the first nine months of patrol.
With over 800 troopers statewide, the division has grown into several areas of special services, including Public Information, Capitol Patrol, Marine Enforcement, Training, Bomb Squad, Motorcycle, Tactical Teams, Special Operations, Aircraft, Audits, and Fraudulent Driver License. The department revived "The Flying Squadron," a motorcycle division. A bomb squad was organized that operated state-of-the-art equipment unparalleled in Oklahoma, including two bomb trucks and robots. The east and west tactical teams continue to send their troopers through specialized training programs that elevate them to the best in the state. Special Operations, formerly Criminal Interdiction, now has troopers who each have a well-trained drug canine.
OHP automobiles are among the most traditional in their paint scheme. They are black and white, with a distinctive angular patch of white just behind the passenger compartment; the identification 'Oklahoma Highway Patrol' is contained in an outline of the state in black on the side doors. This has been the uniform scheme since the first unit of 1937. For several decades, the angular patch of white on the rear fenders has been a reflective applique for improved visibility at night.
Today the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's role as the state's primary state police force puts the patrol at the "spear tip" of Oklahoma law enforcement, serving as the state's only state police agency, with a permanent, uniformed presence in all of Oklahoma's 77 counties. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is well adapted to the demands of 21st Century law enforcement and is the only state agency with the reach, strategic flex, and mission design to proactively prevent crime, to provide specialized resources to local partners, and prevent traffic-related deaths through uniformed police enforcement duties.
The mission of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is this: Working to provide a safe, secure environment for the public through courteous, quality and professional services.
Troopers are issued the SIG-Sauer P320; however, can carry an approved personal weapon which includes the Glock 17 and the SIG Sauer P226.
Chiefs of the Patrol
The following are the previous chiefs of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol:
Responsibilities
The commissioner of public safety, chief of the highway patrol, and each state trooper are peace officers of the state. Troopers have the powers and authority vested in all other state peace officers, including the power of search and seizure (except the serving of civil process), the power to investigate and prevent crime, and the general power to enforce the criminal laws of state. Troopers may arrest any person found by them to be violating any law of the state.