Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a binding opinion Wednesday declaring the Oklahoma Highway Patrol must continue patrolling interstates in the state’s largest metro areas. The opinion blocks OHP’s plan to stop metro-area patrols beginning November 1.
The new patrol policy was announced in early July by Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton. In response, Oklahoma Senator Mark Mann of Oklahoma City requested the Attorney General’s opinion.
“The most fundamental function of government is to provide public safety for its citizens,” Drummond said. “The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is vested with primary law enforcement authority on our interstates, and that authority imposes a mandatory duty. I will not allow Gov. Stitt or OHP leadership to put Oklahoma citizens at risk by refusing to patrol our most densely populated areas.”
The Attorney General cited Oklahoma law that gives OHP primary authority for traffic enforcement and crash investigations on interstate highways. While acknowledging rural areas need greater attention, Drummond said the statutory duty to patrol urban interstates cannot be abandoned or shifted to local police.
Drummond said he consulted with metro-area law enforcement leaders who opposed the OHP withdrawal plan, calling them “deeply committed to protecting and serving.” By contrast, he noted OHP and the Department of Public Safety did not consult with his office before announcing their plans.
“As the chief law enforcement officer in the state, my highest priority is public safety,” Drummond said. “I will gladly work with Secretary Everest and OHP leadership to establish a plan that complies with the law and protects all four million Oklahomans.”
