Oklahoma City Police Department

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.

History Formation

The Oklahoma City Police Department was officially formed following the Land Rush of 1889 in central Indian Territory. 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. By the turn of the century, public drinking had caused many quality of life issues for the small community. In 1907, Oklahoma voters approved a liquor prohibition. 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. In July 1911, Mayor Whit M. Grant named Bill Tilghman as police chief. Tilghman had earned a reputation in the Western frontier having served as a U.S. Marshal, where tracked down outlaws like Bill Doolin. Under Tilghman's leadership, the OCPD rigorously targeted gambling, bootlegging, and prostitution rings.

World War I & Post War

During the war, the OCPD established a Traffic Department and motorcycle squad. The department also implemented an electric callbox system citywide. Officers walking a beat were required report with police dispatch by pushing "6-1" on the callbox. By 1923, the OCPD had expanded from 90 officers to 150. Additionally, the department created a mounted patrol unit, which began patrolling residential districts and directing traffic. In 1927, the city adopted a city manager form of government, in an effort to make city services non-partisan. In 1928, the OCPD created training courses for officers. Newly hired officers were required to complete the courses.

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. 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.

Perhaps one of the department's most interesting lawmen emerged during this time. D.A. "Jelly" Bryce, joined the OCPD in 1928. Known for his dapper appearance, he earned the nickname "Jelly" from fellow officers. By the early 1930s, Bryce was promoted to the department's "Raiding Squad" as a plain clothes detective. In the unit, Bryce recovered dozens of stolen cars, and broke-up numerous bootlegging outfits and gambling rackets. Bryce was renown for his ability to track down outlaws and gangsters, most notably, Wilbur Underhill. Bryce often carried a shotgun and Thompson sub-machine gun while on duty. During his law enforcement career, Bryce was involved in 19 gun battles and killed at least 17 men. However, the exact number is unknown due to poor record keeping at the time. Bryce was known for his quick draw and was featured in LIFE magazine. He was electronically timed at two-fifths of a second to draw and accurately fire. It was reported at the time that "if a criminal blinked at Jelly Bryce, he would die in darkness." Bryce left the OCPD and later became an FBI Special Agent in Charge, before running unsuccessfully for Governor of Oklahoma.

World War II & Post War Throughout the World War II, the department suffered from a severe shortage of manpower. As a result, the requirements to become a police officer were relaxed and many clerical positions were filled by civilians.

Following the war, the OCPD began a move towards specialization and professionalization. The department created a training unit. The unit conducted a 144-hour training course for new recruits. The department began new investigation units, such as burglary, traffic accident, white collar crime, and fingerprint collection.

1960s During the early 1960s, the OCPD established a K-9 unit, a forensics laboratory, and a police academy. In 1965, the OCPD headquarters building at 701 Colcord Avenue was completed. In 1969, the OCPD began issuing sidearms to officers. The department issued officers S&W Model 15 .38 Specials. 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. The department also created a Selective Enforcement Unit, designed to reduce crime in problematic areas. The OCPD also added a police helicopter and Tactical Team (SWAT). 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.First female police officers in Oklahoma City proved they could do the job In the fall of 1975, OCPD officers went on a work slowdown to protest low wages. 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. Over the next three days, the Oklahoma County Sheriff Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol provided police service to the city. Finally, on October 27, a settlement was reached, which resulted in a pay increase and added benefits for officers.

1980s In the 1980s the city's population rapid grew, and so did crime rates. The department implemented new equipment, such a mobile CSI unit, forensic training for patrol officers, and a field training program (FTO).

1990s

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. 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.

21st Century

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.

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. 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.

New recruits are issued the Heckler & Koch VP9 pistol chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum.

Office of the Chief 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.

Rank structure Rank Insignia Description Chief of Policeor Appointed as the Chief of Police of the department Responsible for overseeing department-wide operationsDeputy Chief Holds the Position of Deputy Chief Of Police Responsible for overseeing operation, investigation and administration sections (There are 5 Deputy Chief's in the Department)Major Responsible for overseeing division wide operationsCaptain Responsible for overseeing shift-wide operations.Lieutenant First supervisory rankMaster Sergeant Senior patrol title, denoting at least 15 years of serviceStaff SergeantTitle denoting at least 10 years of serviceSergeant Title denoting at least 5 years of serviceDetectiveTitle given to officers or sergeants assigned to investigations Police OfficerRank attained by recruits upon the completion of one year of probationary status Probationary OfficerTitle given to recruits after the completion of the Field Training Program Recruit OfficerRank attained after graduation from the police academyRecruitTitle given to personnel while assigned as a student in the police academy

Operations

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.

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) Specialized services which are part of the OCPD include the Tactical Team, K9, lake patrol, police aviation, bomb squad, counter-terrorism, criminal intelligence, anti-gang, narcotics, and airport police. The OCPD is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

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.

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.

Awards

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:

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 deceased 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.

Line of duty deaths