The Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD), was established in 1889 following the Land Run. The OCPD is the largest law enforcement agency in the State of Oklahoma and has primary police jurisdiction within the corporate limits of the City of Oklahoma City. The OCPD is one of the oldest police departments in Oklahoma, tracing its roots back to Indian Territory[citation needed].
The OCPD has a crime scene investigation service and full crime laboratory, as well as units which assist with electronic and computer crime investigations. In 2015, there were 1,169 sworn officers and 300 civilians employees serving in the department.
History
Formation
OCPD officers with Chief Charles F. Colcord
The Oklahoma City Police Department was officially formed following the Land Rush of 1889 in central Indian Territory.[3][page needed] The department began as a small collection of officers. The department's first Chief was Charles F. Colcord and municipal court was held in a small tent near California Avenue.[3][page needed] By the turn of the century, public drinking had caused many quality of life issues for the small community.[4] In 1907, Oklahoma voters approved a liquor prohibition.[5] A new City Charter was adopted early in March 1911. One of the Charter's provisions changed the office of the Chief of Police from elective to appointive. The charter also adopted a commissioner form of government.[3][page needed] In July 1911, Mayor Whit M. Grant named Bill Tilghman as police chief.[3][page needed] Tilghman had earned a reputation in the Western frontier having served as a U.S. Marshal, where tracked down outlaws like Bill Doolin.[3][page needed] Under Tilghman's leadership, the OCPD rigorously targeted gambling, bootlegging, and prostitution rings.[4]
During the war, the OCPD established a Traffic Department and motorcycle squad.[4] The department also implemented an electric callbox system citywide.[3][page needed] Officers walking a beat were required report with police dispatch by pushing "6-1" on the callbox.[3][page needed] By 1923, the OCPD had expanded from 90 officers to 150.[4] Additionally, the department created a mounted patrol unit, which began patrolling residential districts and directing traffic.[3][page needed] In 1927, the city adopted a city manager form of government, in an effort to make city services non-partisan.[3][page needed] In 1928, the OCPD created training courses for officers. Newly hired officers were required to complete the courses.[3][page needed]
Great Depression era
America's gangster era ushered in a new paradigm for the OCPD. The crime wave of the Great Depression forced the OCPD to begin a transition from a loose collection of untrained men, towards a professionalized force. During the Thirties, nine officers were killed in the line of duty.[3][page needed] The OCPD began created a "Radio Patrol Unit" and began installing mobile radios in police cars, which greatly improved the safety and efficiency of officers.[4]
The OCPD Raiding Squad with shotguns and tommy guns. Front center is Detective "Jelly" Bryce.
Perhaps one of the department's most interesting lawmen emerged during this time. D.A. "Jelly" Bryce, joined the OCPD in 1928.[4]
Known for his dapper appearance, he earned the nickname "Jelly" from fellow officers.[6][page needed] By the early 1930s, Bryce was promoted to the department's "Raiding Squad" as a plain clothes detective.[6][page needed] In the unit, Bryce recovered dozens of stolen cars, and broke-up numerous bootlegging outfits and gambling rackets.[6][page needed][7] Bryce was renown for his ability to track down outlaws and gangsters, most notably, Wilbur Underhill.[5][6][page needed] Bryce often carried a shotgun and Thompson sub-machine gun while on duty.[6][page needed] During his law enforcement career, Bryce was involved in 19 gun battles and killed at least 17 men.[6][page needed] However, the exact number is unknown due to poor record keeping at the time.[6][page needed] Bryce was known for his quick draw and was featured in LIFE magazine.[6][page needed] He was electronically timed at two-fifths of a second to draw and accurately fire.[6][page needed] It was reported at the time that "if a criminal blinked at Jelly Bryce, he would die in darkness."[6][page needed] Bryce left the OCPD and later became an FBISpecial Agent in Charge, before running unsuccessfully for Governor of Oklahoma.[5]
World War II & Post War
OCPD Radio Patrol "Scout Car"
Throughout the World War II, the department suffered from a severe shortage of manpower.[3][page needed] As a result, the requirements to become a police officer were relaxed and many clerical positions were filled by civilians.[4]
Following the war, the OCPD began a move towards specialization and professionalization. The department created a training unit.[3][page needed] The unit conducted a 144-hour training course for new recruits.[3][page needed] The department began new investigation units, such as burglary, traffic accident, white collar crime, and fingerprint collection.[4]
1960s
During the early 1960s, the OCPD established a K-9 unit, a forensics laboratory, and a police academy.[3][page needed] In 1965, the OCPD headquarters building at 701 Colcord Avenue was completed.[4] In 1969, the OCPD began issuing sidearms to officers.[3][page needed] The department issued officers S&W Model 15 .38 Specials.[3][page needed] In the years prior, officers had been required to purchase their own weapons.
1970s
In the 1970s, the OCPD began the Alcohol Safety Action Project (ASAP) designed to reduce drunk driving.[3][page needed] The department also created a Selective Enforcement Unit, designed to reduce crime in problematic areas.[3][page needed] The OCPD also added a police helicopter and Tactical Team (SWAT).[3][page needed] In 1972, Shirley (Cox) Conner, Sherry (Hamman) Garcia, Norma Jean (Bowerman) Adams, Julie (Black) Smith, and Gladys (Burns) Loflin became the first female police officers to be employed and assigned to uniformed patrol duties.[8] In the fall of 1975, OCPD officers went on a work slowdown to protest low wages.[3][page needed] On October 24, nearly all of the OCPD's 600 officers walked into City Hall and placed their badges on the city council's conference table.[3][page needed] Over the next three days, the Oklahoma County Sheriff Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol provided police service to the city.[3][page needed] Finally, on October 27, a settlement was reached, which resulted in a pay increase and added benefits for officers.[3][page needed]
1980s
In the 1980s the city's population rapid grew, and so did crime rates.[3][page needed] The department implemented new equipment, such a mobile CSI unit, forensic training for patrol officers, and a field training program (FTO).[9]
1990s
An aerial view of the destruction caused by the Oklahoma City bombing, looking from the north
On April 19, 1995 Timothy McVeigh carried out the Oklahoma City bombing, which was the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. McVeigh detonated a Ryder truck bomb at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building which killed 168 people.[7] Oklahoma City Police were the first on scene and began rescue efforts. Sgt. Detective Mike McPherson of the Auto Theft Unit and a Bomb Squad member arrived on scene moments after the blast. McPherson assisted the investigators by locating the hidden VIN number on the axle, which later allowed the FBI to tie the truck to McVeigh.[7]
21st Century
OCPD officers survey damage following the 2013 Moore tornado in southern Oklahoma City
In response to the tornado outbreaks, the OCPD changed its policy regarding tornado sirens. Tornado sirens are now activated in localized areas, instead of citywide activations.[10]
An OCPD car at the new headquarters building; the OCPD began transitioning from the Crown Victoria to the Ford Taurus as its standard patrol car starting in 2012
In the fall of 2015, the department opened a new headquarters building at 700 Colcord Drive. The new building cost approximately $22 million and has a floor area of more than 88,000 square feet. The building houses approximately 300 civilians, detectives, and administrators.[11] In 2021, the previous police headquarters building at 701 Colcord Drive is being demolished.
In 2015, the OCPD announced plans to implement body cameras for patrol officers with an initial pilot program lasting a year, to be followed by wider adoption.[citation needed]
The Chief's offices are located at the main police headquarters at 700 Colcord Dr on the west side of Downtown Oklahoma City.
The Chief's office oversees the operations of the Special Investigations Division (SID), Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC), Office of Media Relations, and the Office of Professional Standards. The Chief's office also has responsibility for finance and personnel oversight of the department and provides direction to the Oklahoma City division of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Additionally, the office also includes a Police Chaplain's unit and the C.H.A.P.P.S. program, which assists officers in times of crisis or emotional distress.[citation needed]
Rank structure
Rank
Insignia
Description
Chief of Police
or
The Chief of police is responsible for Department-Wide Operations
Deputy Chief
Deputy Chief of Police is Responsible for overseeing operation, investigation and administration sections (There are 3 Deputy Chiefs in the Department)
Rank attained by recruits upon the completion of one year of probationary status
Probationary Officer
Title given to recruits after the completion of the Field Training Program
Recruit Officer
Rank attained after graduation from the police academy
Recruit
Title given to personnel while assigned as a student in the police academy
Operations
OCPD Bricktown Sub-division building
Administration
The Administration Bureau provides administrative functions, such as training and recruiting, planning and research, and logistics support. it is located at police headquarters in downtown OKC. it also supervises the 9-1-1 emergency communications center, which is in downtown Oklahoma City. The facility was built in 2002 and is designed to withstand an EF5 tornado.[12]
Operations
The Operations Bureau provides the bulk of the visible police operations that would be seen by the public. It includes the patrol divisions, as well as several specialized units such as the athletic league and a community relations unit.
There are four patrol divisions and one sub-division, which serve the various geographical areas of Oklahoma City:
Hefner Division (Northwest Oklahoma City)
Southwest Division (Southwest Oklahoma City)
Santa Fe Division (Southeast Oklahoma City)
Springlake Division (Northeast Oklahoma City)
Bricktown Sub-division (Bricktown and downtown Oklahoma City)
Uniform Support
The Uniform Support Division includes special units. These units assist patrol officers with specialized skills and equipment. Some of the units are part-time and officers are assigned elsewhere until needed.[3][page needed]
Awards
OCPD Medal of Honor, the department's highest award
The department presents a number of medals and ribbons to its members for honorable service. The medals that the OCPD awards to its officers are as follows:[13]
Police Medal of Honor – The highest award in the department. The medal is awarded for extraordinary act of bravely performed at tremendous personal risk to the officer.
The Police Cross – The department's second highest award. The cross is awarded to the family member of a fallen officer.
Medal of Valor – The third highest award. The medal is awarded to an officer for an exceptional act of bravery in the face of peril.
Police Medal for Meritorious Service – The medal is awarded to an officer for excellent service performed in a distinguished fashion.
The department has awarded service ribbons commemorating the service officers who participated in the search and rescue efforts following the Oklahoma City bombing. The OCPD also awards officers a ribbon for life-saving action taken during the course of their duties.[3][page needed]
Fallen Officers
OCPD Fallen Officer Memorial
Since the establishment of the Oklahoma City Police Department, 31 officers and one recruit officer have died in the line of duty.[14] There is a memorial to fallen OCPD officers at police headquarters.[3][page needed]
Fallen K-9
About 8:30 AM Friday, March 16, 2001, Joseph L. Meyer, 33, fled on foot the scene of a non-injury accident near NW 36th and Pennsylvania. About the same time Justin Cornielson was preparing to unload cases of Budweiser beer from a tractor-trailer at the Homeland grocery store at NW 39th and Pennsylvania (Penn). Cornielson had just opened the back of his truck when Meyer climbed into the driver’s seat and started driving off. Oklahoma City Police officers started pursuing the stolen beer truck south bound on Penn. The truck turned east on NW 5th street. Cases of beer were flying out on to the street.
As the chase neared Walker Avenue Sgt. Jim Wheatley tried to ram the truck but got his scout car trapped under the truck and was being dragged. Meyer turned the truck right at Walker, freeing the scout car, but lost control and crashed the truck into a building at 500 N Walker.
As officers scrambled out of their cars, police dog Rudy was unintentionally allowed to leave his police K-9 unit and mistakenly attacked Police Sgt. Randy Hall. Hall thought he was being attacked by a neighborhood dog and shot it, killing K-9 Rudy, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois. Rudy had served with the Oklahoma City Police Department for five years with his partner and handler, Sgt. Lyndell Easley. Rudy had served with a law enforcement agency in Michigan prior to coming to Oklahoma City.
Joseph Meyer was arrested near the scene and charged with larceny of a vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon and attempting to elude police.
In 2014, the department's second line-of-duty death of a K-9 occurred, when police dog "Kye" was stabbed to death by a man attempting to avoid police capture.[15]
Misconduct
History
The OCPD's public integrity unit traces its history to the earliest days of the department. During the World War I era, rules governing the conduct of officers were strict.[3][page needed] Smoking while in uniform was strictly prohibited and officers were barred from working other jobs.[3][page needed] A department rulebook from the time states, "All members of the Police Department shall be considered as ALWAYS on duty and the same responsibility for the suppression of disturbance and the arrest of offenders rests upon them when not in uniform as when on post of duty."[4]
Office of Professional Standards
Allegations of misconduct are investigated by the OCPD's Office of Professional Standards (OPS).[3][page needed] The office is composed of supervisors, who work in conjunction with specialized detective units to investigate claims of misconduct, including those both criminal or unprofessional in nature.[16] Following an investigation by the Office of Professional Standards, a Citizen's Advisory Board, composed of 11 civilians from the community, reviews the allegations and the findings of the investigation.[3][page needed] Following the review, the civilian board may submit recommendations to the chief of police or the city manager.[16]
Body worn cameras
An OCPD raiding squad, led by famous lawman D.A. "Jelly" Bryce.OCPD Tact Team deploying from a BearCat in a training exercise
In 2015, the department announced plans to implement body cameras for patrol officers with an initial pilot program lasting a year, to be followed by wider adoption.[17] The pilot program started in January 2016, but the use of these cameras was suspended less than six months later due to labor disagreements between the department and the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police.[18] After negotiations resolved the labor dispute, the pilot program was restarted in November 2016. The department is committed to expanding camera use, and by February 2017 there were 345 cameras available for deployment. The initial program costs of Watch Guard camera system is reported to be $683,325. This cost does not include the additional personnel required to manage the program.[19]
Scandals
In 1985, the department hired Joyce Gilchrist as a police chemist. In 1994 she was promoted to supervisor. She was fired in 2001 for "flawed casework analysis" and "laboratory mismanagement." She had testified in eleven cases that had resulted in executions and at least one that resulted in a four million dollar settlement by the city because of her faulty testimony.[20]
In December 2010, the department agreed to formally apologize and pay $30,000 to a woman who was mistakenly arrested in front of her grandchildren in 2009, after her name was incorrectly entered into a database by a police clerk.[21]
In July 2011, Oklahoma City police arrested about twenty children who were waiting outside a movie theatre after the movie ended. They were initially charged with curfew violations, although the arrests happened twenty minutes before the 11:00PM deadline. Police Chief Bill Citty admitted the officers involved made a mistake.[22]
In March 2012, Officer Roland Benavides was convicted of gambling offenses and given a five-year deferred sentence. He had resigned from the force the preceding January, after he was caught.[23][24]
In August 2012, Sergeant Maurice Martinez pleaded guilty to 12 counts of sexual abuse of foster children in his care.[25][26]
In December 2015 Officer Daniel Holtzclaw was convicted of 18 charges of rape or sexually assault against multiple women (ranging in age from 17 to 57) on his patrol route. He was also found not guilty on 18 charges. Investigations showed that Holtzclaw had run background checks on some of his victims, targeting women with criminal records. Holtzclaw was fired from the department before the trial began in January, and after the guilty verdict was returned, Police Chief Citty issued a statement that "we are satisfied with the jury's decision and firmly believe justice was served".[27][28] The conviction is controversial. Michelle Malkin argues that Holtzclaw was wrongfully convicted in the case, which she calls a "Monstrous miscarriage of justice."[29]
On November 15, 2017, Sgt. Keith Sweeney responded to a call with an emotionally disturbed person, Dustin Pigeon, who was threatening to light himself on fire. Pigeon was holding a bottle of lighter fluid and a lighter. Sweeney, who was the third officer to arrive at the call, has been criticized for escalating the interaction, which eventually resulted in Sweeney shooting and killing Pigeon. After reviewing the incident, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater filed 2nd Degree Murder charges against Sweeney. In an August 2018 preliminary hearing, Oklahoma County Special Judge Kathryn Savage found enough evidence to bind Sweeney for trial. Sweeney was subsequently convicted and sentenced to ten years in state prison.[30][31][32]
As part of a statewide effort to identify over 7,000 untested sexual assault evidence kits, in mid-2019 the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reported that the department had more than 1,500 untested rape kits in storage.[33] In 2018, prior to the state's report, the police department had adopted a policy that every kit be screened by the police department's DNA laboratory and by September 2021 the city's backlog was eliminated.[34]
In March 2023 a police captain was pulled over for drunk driving off-duty and in the process repeatedly asked the officer to turn off his body camera. The officer refused and arrested the police captain, who was suspended from his position during an investigation and is no longer employed by the city. [35]
OCPD Academy Recruits on a morning jogAn OCPD Cadet with a Bike Patrol Officer at a special
Training
Police Academy
Applicants who are accepted into OCPD Police Academy begin their employment as a "Police Recruit" at the OCPD Training Center at 800 North Portland Avenue.[3][page needed] The OKCPD police academy lasts 28 weeks and is mostly a non-residential academy.[3][page needed] Recruits are paid employees while attending the academy.[36]
Field Training Program
The OCPD Field training program (FTO) is modeled after the San Jose system.[9] The program requires graduates of the police academy to complete a four- to six-month-long training phase in the field with at least three different training officers.[9] During the FTO program, Recruit Officers are graded daily on more than 30 different categories ranging from personal safety to interactions with citizens.[9] Officers must have acceptable scores to continue through the program.[9]
Cadet Program
In 2015, the OCPD entered into an official partnership with the OKC Metro Tech.[37] The partnership created an "OCPD Cadet Academy."[37] The program is designed to prepare high school students for careers in public safety or law enforcement.[37] Students are introduced to the basics of law enforcement, such as defensive tactics, forensic investigations, and criminal law.[37] In addition, cadets receive training in emergency vehicle driving and weapons. The goal of the program is to groom high school students for the OCPD Police Academy.[37]
Vehicles and aircraft
2013 OCPD Ford Police Interceptor Sedan
Vehicles
OCPD Air-One on short final at the department's downtown helipad
In 2012, OCPD began transitioning to the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Ford Police Interceptor Utility for patrol officers. In appearance, the vehicles are all black. The word "POLICE" is printed in large white letters on the side doors, and "We Serve With Pride" appears above the rear wheel wells. The seal of the City of Oklahoma City appears on the front doors. An abbreviation denoting the division that the vehicle is assigned to appears on the rear trunk (HF-Hefner, SW-Southwest, SF-Santa Fe, SL-Springlake, BT-Bricktown, WRWA-Will Rogers World Airport, US-Uniform Support, BP-Bike Patrol, VCAT-Violent Crime Apprehension Team). Also printed on the rear trunk area is the car number with the word "POLICE" in small white letters.[2]
Aircraft
In 2014, the department began using two Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil helicopters.[38] The helicopters are stationed at the department's helipad at the Southwest Division. The helicopters are equipped with Forward looking infrared cameras and searchlights. When in flight, the helicopters use the FAA callsign Air-One or Air-Two to communicate with Oklahoma City Air Traffic Control.[2] Prior to 2014, the OCPD operated a pair of MD 500E helicopters as its air-support assets.
Firearms
In 1990 the department abandoned the S&W Model 65 revolver and began issuing the Glock 17 9mm pistol. The Glock pistol remained the primary issue sidearm of the department until 2017, when the department selected the SIG Sauer P320 chambered in 9mm. In 2023 the agency again changed the issue sidearm, this time selecting the Heckler Koch VP9 pistol in 9mm. Officers are issued and complete their academy training and probation with their issued sidearm. After completing their new hire probation officers may select another firearm from an approved list, but must purchase the gun and supporting equipment at their own expense.
In 2007 the department implemented a patrol rifle program. Officers are selected for the department's patrol rifle school, and upon successful completion are issued an AR-15. The department initially issued rifles from Rock River Arms, and later adopted SIG Sauer AR platform rifles in a short barrel format. The department also has Remington Model 870 shotguns that are issued at officer request.
The OCPD Tactical Team uses a range of specialized weapons, including the AR-15 and Heckler & Koch G36K assault rifle, as well as the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun and custom made precision rifles from Surgeon Rifles.
In the past the department allowed a variety of weapons, and during Prohibition, some officers carried Thompson submachine guns. The department still maintains some of the historic Thompson guns in its inventory.[3][page needed]
