Norman City Council Opposes OHP Metro Patrol Cutbacks

NORMAN, Okla. — The Norman City Council has joined other cities in formally opposing the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s decision to stop patrolling certain highways in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas.

Cities Push Back on Patrol Changes

Last month, Midwest City and Del City passed similar resolutions condemning the move. Norman officials argue the OHP has an obligation to patrol urban and rural highways alike to ensure driver safety.

“Urban highways face high traffic volumes, crashes, and criminal activity. Pulling OHP from these areas puts our communities at risk,” a Norman council member said.

OHP Defends the Decision

The OHP says the change will allow troopers to better serve rural areas where local police coverage is limited. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s office has been asked to issue a legal opinion on whether the move violates the agency’s responsibilities under state law.