DPS Defends Plan to Shift OHP Troopers to Rural Highways

Background on the Patrol Dispute

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is pushing back after Attorney General Gentner Drummond ruled its plan to stop patrolling metro interstates was illegal.

While DPS says it does intend to place more troopers on rural highways, it insists it won’t completely abandon patrols in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

DPS Statement

“We will continue our role in metro areas while shifting additional resources to rural highways,” a DPS spokesperson said. “Public safety in all communities remains the priority.”

The clarification comes after weeks of tension between DPS and other state leaders over enforcement responsibilities.

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