Drummond Issues Binding Opinion Requiring OHP to Patrol Metro Interstates

Oklahoma City, OK-AG Blocks Plan to Abandon Metro Patrols

Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a binding opinion declaring the Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Drummond opinion

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(OHP) must continue patrolling interstates in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and surrounding metro areas, rejecting OHP’s plan to focus solely on rural highways.

Legal Authority and Public Safety

Drummond cited Oklahoma law (Title 47, section 2-117), which requires OHP to serve as the primary traffic enforcement agency on interstates statewide.

“The most fundamental function of government is to provide public safety for its citizens,” Drummond said.

He warned that abandoning urban patrols would put millions of Oklahomans at risk.

Local Law Enforcement Reacts to Drummond

The AG said he consulted with local law enforcement leaders, all of whom voiced concern that losing OHP support would strain already stretched city police departments.