Why the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is shifting resources from OKC metro

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will reallocate resources to areas of the state with the greatest need for patrol presence, the agency announced Thursday.

In a statement, OHP said the changes will take effect Nov. 1, 2025.

The agency said it is confident that law enforcement departments in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas are equipped to provide public safety on the portions of interstates running through those cities. OHP said it will shift its resources out of OKC and Tulsa to focus on interstates and highways with high traffic volumes but fewer local law enforcement officers.

OHP said the move will allow the agency to better adapt to Oklahoma’s evolving public safety needs.

In the Oklahoma City metro, OHP will transfer responsibility for all interstates within incorporated city limits to local agencies in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Norman, Midwest City and Del City.

This plan will continue to be refined approaching the Nov. 1 transition date, according to OHP.

In a statement, Chief Todd Gibson, President of the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police said,

“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.

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.”

The Oklahoma City Police Department also released additional information regarding the upcoming change:

This presents a new set of circumstances for our department, and we will need time to evaluate and determine what the appropriate protocol will be once the changes take effect.

The Norman Police Department has also released a statement:

NPD is currently evaluating the operational impact of the shift in responsibility for coverage of I-35 through Norman to determine the appropriate course of action. We remain committed to maintaining public safety for our community.

According to OHP, in FYE 2025 alone, 408 collisions as well as two fatality collisions were reported on the section of I-35 that runs through Norman. These numbers do not include calls for motorist assists, traffic hazards, other crimes, or debris removal — nor do they reflect the critical enforcement efforts needed to prevent further collisions and loss of life.

Norman Police Department reacts to shift

In a statement, the Norman Police Department reacted to the new shift, saying,

NPD is currently evaluating the operational impact of the shift in responsibility for coverage of I-35 through Norman to determine the appropriate course of action. We remain committed to maintaining public safety for our community. 

According to OHP, in FYE 2025 alone, 408 collisions as well as two fatality collisions were reported on the section of I-35 that runs through Norman. These numbers do not include calls for motorist assists, traffic hazards, other crimes, or debris removal — nor do they reflect the critical enforcement efforts needed to prevent further collisions and loss of life.