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65-670: As the principal statewide law enforcement agency in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is tasked with providing 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

130-424: A patrol is a sub-subunit or small tactical formation, sent out from a military organization by land, sea or air for the purpose of combat, reconnaissance , or a combination of both. The basic task of a patrol is to follow a known route with the purpose of investigating some feature of interest or, in the assignment of a fighting patrol (U.S. combat patrol ), to find and engage the enemy. A patrol can also mean

195-485: A police car , crewing a police watercraft , or piloting a police aircraft , depending on the unit they are assigned to or their agency 's capabilities. They may or may not be armed or uniformed. A study conducted by Temple University and the Philadelphia Police Department in the mid-2000s has shown that foot patrols reduce crime more than other methods. Some elementary schools utilize

260-444: A Second or Assistant Patrol Leader. This is the basic unit of a Scout troop . The patrol method is an essential characteristic of Scouting by which it differs from all other organizations, using the natural dynamics of the gang for an educational purpose. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (formerly Oklahoma Transportation Authority ) is an agency of Oklahoma that deals with issues regarding

325-887: A computer lab, and a physical fitness center. The primary function of the Training Section is to plan, organize, and conduct the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy for entry-level Patrol Cadets. Academy sessions, which are held as authorized by the Oklahoma Legislature , are 20 weeks long, with Cadets residing at the Academy during the session. Daily activities include physical training and classroom instruction. The Academy typically graduates between 50 and 60 Cadets each session. The section also coordinates all continued educational; and training requirements for troopers. The Training Section

390-757: A division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), is under the command and direction of the chief of the patrol. The Chief is appointed by the DPS Commissioner and is responsible for the operations, capabilities, and plans of the patrol. The Chief is assisted in managing the patrol with the help of two deputy chiefs. The patrol is divided into troops or sections headed by a captain. Each of these Troops has either limited geographic jurisdiction or Statewide functional jurisdiction, with some Troops having law enforcement functions while others have support functions. The thirteen field Troops are

455-619: A non-commissioned communications Officer holding the rank of major. The two deputy chiefs have line authority over these eight majors. Though an organized highway patrol unit, the Executive Security Section/Troop EX, which provides protection to the governor and lieutenant governor, is not under the operational command of the patrol chief. Instead, the troop answers directly to the DPS Commissioner. The patrol chief is, however, responsible for organizing this troop and ensuring its capabilities. Upon graduation from

520-421: 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. Troopers are issued

585-400: A small cavalry or armoured unit , subordinate to a troop or platoon , usually comprising a section or squad of mounted troops, or two armoured fighting vehicles (often tanks ). In non-military law enforcement , patrol officers are police officers (or, for private entities, security guards ) assigned to monitor specified geographic areas. In this instance, patrol refers to

650-625: A troop commander, who holds the rank of captain with the highway patrol. The Bomb Squad Section is a special law enforcement unit within the highway patrol. Bomb Squad Section, or Troop BT, is responsible for bomb disposal Statewide. The Bomb Squad partners with the Office of the Oklahoma Fire Marshal , the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality , and the Oklahoma Department of Mines to enforce all State laws regulating explosive materials. The squad's troopers are placed across

715-614: Is a special law enforcement unit within the highway patrol. It is the duty of the Capitol Patrol Section, or Troop R, to provide law enforcement and protection services for the State Capitol Complex and all state office buildings within Oklahoma County and Tulsa County. The Capitol Patrol was originally created on July 1, 1971, by the Oklahoma Legislature as a separate department division, with

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780-503: Is assisted by three lieutenants. Seventeen members of the section are assigned to the governor, and 6 are assigned to the lieutenant governor. Troop ES also has the responsibility for ensuring security and providing for the protection of the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion . As provided for by the Oklahoma Legislature , the rank system for all personnel within the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is as follows: Patrol A patrol

845-524: Is commonly a group of personnel, such as law enforcement officers , military personnel , or security personnel , that are assigned to monitor or secure a specific geographic area. The word "patrol" is derived from the French word patrouiller , itself derived from the Old French word patouiller meaning "to paddle, paw about, patrol", which is in turn from patte , "a paw". In military tactics ,

910-423: Is often the first responder on the scene of any incident, and their actions can greatly affect the outcome of the investigation, as well as the lives and safety of themselves and others. Patrols are often done with the intent of community policing , to improve relations between police and the public. Patrol officers may conduct patrols on foot , while mounted , riding a police motorcycle or bicycle , driving

975-537: Is responsible for overseeing all entry-level and continuing education of all Patrol personnel. The Training Section is divided into four detachments: Technical Skills, Academy Development, Defensive Tactics, and Legal Research. The Training Section is located at the Department of Public Safety's headquarters at the Robert R. Lester Training Center. The training center houses classrooms, a dormitory, cafeteria facilities,

1040-581: Is responsible for providing the personal security and protection, transportation, and communications capabilities for the Governor of Oklahoma , the Governor's immediate family, and the Lieutenant Governor . The troop is composed of 23 law enforcement personnel, including 19 troopers and 4 ranked officers. The section is commanded by a troop commander with the rank of OHP captain. The commander

1105-772: Is serving as the Cabinet Secretary. Secretary Gatz also serves as the Director of the Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) is an instrumentality of the State of Oklahoma (the State) and a body corporate and politic created by statute in 1947. The Authority is authorized to construct, maintain, repair and operate turnpike projects at locations authorized by

1170-659: Is the sole discretion of the Oklahoma Legislature to authorize projects considered for construction by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. Originally, fourteen toll road projects were approved. Today, there are 32 toll road projects authorized by Title 69, Section 1705. The Board of Directors of the Turnpike Authority is responsible for governing the Authority. The Board is composed of the seven members, six of which are appointed by

1235-584: Is under the command of a troop commander, who has the rank of captain with the highway patrol. The troop commander also serves as the academy director for the Highway Patrol Academy. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section is a special law enforcement unit within the highway patrol. It is the duty of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, or Troop S, to enforce all rules and regulation pertaining to

1300-549: Is under the direction of a troop commander, who has the rank of captain with the highway patrol. The commander is assisted in managing the troop with the aid of two supervisors, who each have the rank of OHP lieutenant. The Marine Enforcement Section (formerly known as the Lake Patrol ) is a special law enforcement unit within the highway patrol. It is the duty of the Lake Patrol Section, or Troop W, to serve as

1365-531: The Governor of Oklahoma , with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate , with the Governor serving ex officio as the seventh member. The Board is responsible for appointing the Director of the Authority, who serves as the Board's pleasure. The Turnpike Authority, as of February 2019, has 632 full-time employees. The budget of the Turnpike Authority is derived almost exclusively from the tolls collected from

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1430-845: The Internal Affairs Section ) is a special investigative unit within the highway patrol. The Criminal Investigations Division, or Troop Z, serves as the patrol's primary criminal detection and investigation arm. Troopers (styled investigators ) assigned to Troop Z are responsible for investigating trooper-involved shootings and incidents, fugitive apprehensions, identity and driver license fraud, polygraph examinations, speed-trap investigations, threat assessments , auto theft, and all felony crimes which are committed on Oklahoma's Turnpike System. Investigators conduct crime scene investigations, including interviewing, interrogation, and traffic collision reconstruction. The division provides evidence identification, collection, and preservation for

1495-535: The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation . As of the fiscal year 2011 , the Turnpike Authority's annual contract provided over $ 12.4 million to the highway patrol in exchange for the services of 127 state troopers and six administrative support staffers. The Turnpike Section is headed by a patrol major and is assisted by five patrol captains. The patrol major reports to one of the patrol's three deputy chiefs for command purposes. Specialty troops of

1560-647: The Oklahoma turnpike system. Along with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation , the Authority is the primary infrastructure construction and maintenance agency of the State. The Turnpike Authority is under the supervision of the Secretary of Transportation . Under Governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt , Tim Gatz a Professional Landscape Architect with Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture

1625-669: The SIG-Sauer P320 ; however, can carry an approved personal weapon which includes the Glock 17 and the SIG Sauer P226. The following are the previous chiefs of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol: 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

1690-418: 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. In 1937, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was created under Governor E. W. Marland . That same year the first 125 graduated from

1755-571: The Capitol Patrol troopers have the authority to enforce all parking, traffic, and criminal laws of the state. The troop is under the direction of a troop commander, who has the rank of captain with the highway patrol. The commander is assisted in managing the troop with the aid of twelve supervisors, who each have the rank of OHP lieutenant. The Training Section is a specialized unit of the Highway Patrol. Training Section, or Troop T,

1820-400: The DPS Commissioner or Chief. Tactical Team troopers are dispersed geographically throughout the state, divided between east and west teams, enabling the team to respond to most situations quickly. Tactical Team troopers are specialized in the heavy assault, sniper operations, and emergency medical operations. In the event of a large-scale problem that other law enforcement agencies do not have

1885-547: The Dive Team assists other state and local authorities with marine rescue activities. All troopers that join the highway patrol are initially assigned to one of the 13 field troops of the patrol. After their initial assignment, the trooper is eligible to be reassigned to the Marine Enforcement Section. Troop W is composed of 44 law enforcement personnel, with 38 troopers and six ranked officers. Unlike

1950-645: The Governor (ex-officio) and six members serving without pay for eight-year terms from districts established in the State Statute. The Governor may remove any member of the Authority, at any time, with or without cause. The members are appointed to represent defined geographical districts. Authority members have full control over all turnpike operations; however, the OTA must operate in strict compliance with trust agreements that define operating procedures to be followed. The Authority employs an Executive Director to manage

2015-592: The Highway Patrol Academy, all state troopers are assigned to one of the thirteen field troops for their initial assignment. Such initial assignment is made at the discretion of the patrol chief and is not appealable. After their initial assignment is complete, troopers may request reassignment to another field troop to special duty with any of the patrol's specialized units, such as the Marine Enforcement Section or Capital Patrol Section. The highway patrol divides Oklahoma geographically into thirteen "Field Troops", each comprising several counties. These Field Troops of

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2080-424: 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

2145-486: The Highway Patrol Turnpike Section. These state troopers are then assigned to enforcement duties with the Turnpike Authority but at all times remain a part of and under the command of the highway patrol. While patrolling the turnpikes, state troopers have full authority to enforce all traffic and criminal laws of the state. OHP shares jurisdiction for investigating non-traffic criminal acts with

2210-659: The Lake Patrol was merged with the highway patrol. In 2011, the legislature renamed the Lake Patrol as the Marine Enforcement Section. The Marine Enforcement Section, as the marine law enforcement branch of the highway patrol, provides law enforcement service to 38 state lakes and recreation areas consisting of 4,385 miles of shoreline and 490,215 surface acres of water. In addition to regular water patrol duties, Marine Enforcement troopers investigate boating accidents and drowning incidents. Marine Enforcement Section investigates marine theft, and boat registration fraud, administers

2275-588: The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma and approved by the State Department of Transportation. The Authority receives revenues from turnpike tolls and a percentage of the turnpike concession sales. The Authority may issue Turnpike Revenue Bonds for the purpose of paying the costs of turnpike projects and Turnpike Revenue Refunding Bonds for the purpose of refunding any bonds of the Authority then outstanding. Turnpike Revenue Bonds are payable solely from

2340-411: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority as follows: "To construct, maintain, repair, and operate Turnpike projects and highways, with their access and connecting roads at such locations and on such routes as it shall determine to be feasible and economically sound." In addition to providing this responsibility to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, limitations were placed on the selection of toll road locations. It

2405-562: The action of patrolling —that is, to move through their assigned areas at regular intervals to detect or prevent violations of the law or problems of any kind. Patrol officers are the most recognizable members of the police , and are the government officials encountered most frequently by the public. Their duties include responding to calls for service , making arrests , resolving disputes, issuing tickets , taking crime reports , conducting traffic enforcement , investigating crimes , and conducting crime prevention measures. A patrol officer

2470-409: 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

2535-411: The boating education, enforcement and marine investigation arm of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety . The Lake Patrol was originally created on July 1, 1971, by the Oklahoma Legislature as a separate division of the department, with the patrol commander reporting directly to the commissioner of the department. However, in 1998, the legislature passed a law reorganizing the department. In so doing,

2600-485: The capitol complex. The Specialized Troops, often called Sections, perform either a specialized law enforcement activity, such as the Marine Enforcement Section, or provide support to the various Field Troops. The various Troops and Sections are organized into eight Zones, seven of these Zones are commanded by an OHP major, and the eighth zone consists of the Communications Division, which is commanded by

2665-620: The day-to-day operations. The Executive Director is appointed by the Authority’s Board. Oklahoma was the first state west of Pennsylvania to complete a toll road financed exclusively from revenue bonds. The Oklahoma Turnpike Enabling Act, as amended to date, controls the designation, financing, construction, and operation of the Oklahoma Turnpikes. An excerpt from Section 1705 of the Enabling Act delegates responsibility to

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2730-466: The field troops of the highway patrol, has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area. The troop is under the direction of a troop commander, who has the rank of captain with the highway patrol. The commander is assisted in managing the troop with the aid of five supervisors, who each have the rank of OHP lieutenant. Each supervisor oversees one of the five districts of the troop. The districts are organized as follows: The Capitol Patrol

2795-641: 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

2860-484: The highway patrol have primary law enforcement authority on state, federal, and interstate highways, including those inside city limits. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol's Turnpike Section has sole law enforcement responsibility for the Turnpike of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (by annual contract with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety ) provides funds to pay, equip, and support state troopers assigned to

2925-501: The highway patrol perform specialized law enforcement functions within the scope of the mission and operation of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety , and have jurisdiction statewide. The Aviation Section is a specialized unit within the highway patrol. The Aviation Section, or Troop O, serves as the law enforcement air support arm of Patrol. The section provides aircraft to respond to various emergencies and tasks by supporting other law enforcement organizations as well as all units of

2990-513: The highway patrol, the Investigations Division has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area. The troop is under the direction of a troop commander, who has the rank of captain with the highway patrol. The Special Operations Section is a special law enforcement unit with the highway patrol. The Special Operations Section, or Troop SO, is the duty responsible for crime detection and prevention. In particular,

3055-401: The highway patrol. The commander is assisted in managing the troop with the aid of three supervisors, who each have the rank of OHP lieutenant. The Tactical Team serves as the special weapons and tactics unit of the highway patrol. The Tactical Team responds to high-risk events like manhunts, search and rescue operations, high-risk warrants, hostage situations, and any other duties required by

3120-425: The patrol commander reporting directly to the department's commissioner. However, in 1998, the legislature passed a law reorganizing the department. In so doing, the Capitol Patrol was merged with the highway patrol. The Capitol Patrol, as the primary uniformed security force of the state, is responsible for policing, securing, and ensuring a safe environment in which State employees conduct their business. Troop R has

3185-406: The patrol. After at least seven years with the patrol, the trooper is eligible to be reassigned to the Capitol Patrol. Troop R is composed of 63 total law enforcement personnel, with 50 troopers and 13 ranked officers. Unlike any other troop on the highway patrol, Troop R has unlimited law enforcement jurisdiction in Oklahoma County and Tulsa County. In the performance of their primary security duty,

3250-412: The patrol. In particular, the section's aircraft provide airborne assistance to OHP ground units in traffic enforcement, manhunts, and search and rescue operations statewide. This section also provides transportation to state personnel, such as the Governor. Troop O operates one helicopter and Two fixed-wing aircraft. The section consists of 1 Trooper and 1 Captain. The section is under the direction of

3315-409: The patrol. The division is also responsible for criminal intelligence-gathering activities for the patrol. The Investigations Division serves as the professional responsibility unit for the patrol. The division conducts and coordinates the investigations of allegations of serious misconduct on the part of state troopers. Troop Z is composed of 14 law enforcement personnel. Unlike the field troops of

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3380-435: 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. In addition to their general police powers, the legislature has directed that state troopers have the following specific powers and duties: The Oklahoma Highway Patrol,

3445-466: The primary field activities of the patrol and are where the bulk of the patrol's troopers are assigned. These Troops are primarily responsible for traffic enforcement and vehicle collision investigation along the state's roadways. The Turnpike Troops have the same mission as the Field Troops but have sole jurisdiction over the state's Turnpike System. The Highway Patrol also has sole jurisdiction over

3510-670: The primary responsibility for protecting the members of the Oklahoma Legislature , the Justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court , state employees, and over 70 state facilities. The personal security of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor is provided by the Troop ES, the Executive Security Section. All troopers that join the highway patrol are initially assigned to one of the 13 field troops of

3575-432: The resources to handle, Tactical Team members can be dispatched to aid the local authorities. The Team's Emergency Medical Service Unit is composed of EMT-certified troopers that respond to and assist local emergency medical agencies in the event they are overwhelmed by either natural or manmade disasters. The Executive Security Section is a specialized highway patrol law enforcement unit. The section, also known as Troop ES,

3640-408: The responsibility to enforce the laws of the state regulating the transportation of hazardous substances . Troop S is composed of 67 law enforcement personnel, with 63 troopers and four ranked officers. Unlike the field troops of the highway patrol, has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area. The troop is under the direction of a troop commander, who has the rank of major with

3705-416: The safe operation of commercial vehicles on the roads and highways of the state. The Oklahoma Legislature established the section on May 31, 1949. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section performs roadside inspections of commercial vehicles through the operation of local weigh stations to ensure compliance with size and weight requirements and to detect and deter criminal activity. The section also has

3770-492: The section include initiating manhunts and fugitive apprehensions, controlling all evidence seized by the patrol, as well as managing all seized property. Troop SO is composed of 24 law enforcement personnel, with 21 troopers and three ranked officers. Unlike the field troops of the highway patrol, the Special Operations Section has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area. The troop

3835-467: The section performs traffic stops to investigate and prevent motor vehicle theft, fraud, and other stolen property forms. The section is also the chief unit in the highway patrol that is responsible for drug interdiction. The Special Operations Section detects and arrests criminals who use the state's roads and highways to transport drugs and other illegal substances. The highway patrol's drug canine handlers are located within this Section. Additional duties of

3900-415: 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

3965-563: The state partner to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . Troop BT is composed of 12 law enforcement personnel. Unlike the field troops of the highway patrol, the Bomb Squad Section has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area. The troop is under the direction of a troop commander, who has the rank of captain with the highway patrol. The Criminal Investigations Division (previously known as

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4030-546: The state to allow for rapid response. The highway patrol maintains Bomb Squad units in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Durant. The bomb squad maintains a canine unit to search for hidden explosive devices as well as bomb response robots to safely disarm active devices. Troopers investigate the illegal construction, storage, and use of explosive devices. The bomb squad recovers pre and post-blast evidence provides CBRNE detection and emergency decontamination services, and serves as

4095-511: The state's boating laws, and conducts boater safety and education training to the public. The ' OHP Dive Team , a unit of the Marine Enforcement Section, serves the state as a recovery of victims, vehicles, and evidence from drownings, vehicle or boating accidents, and the investigation of any criminal act involving the waters of the state. The Dive Team also responds to requests for public relations, such as displays, festivities, and public education. During natural disasters and emergency situations,

4160-423: The term patrol to refer to students who are selected to monitor safety in the classroom or to those students who assist crossing guards with safety of children crossing busy nearby streets . Another common term for this use of patrol is hall monitor . In Scouting , a patrol is six to eight Scouts (youth members) under the leadership of one of their number who is appointed Patrol Leader and supported by

4225-491: The tolls and other revenues of the Authority and do not constitute indebtedness of the State. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is similar to a public utility, providing a needed, basic service at a fee that yields a return to its investors. The Authority must generate sufficient revenues to operate and maintain its roads at a high quality while covering the interest and principal payments owed to bondholders (investors) who have purchased its revenue bonds. The Authority consists of

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