Paula Maker Named 2026 Oklahoma Officer of the Year
Tulsa Detective Paula Maker Named 2026 Oklahoma Officer of the Year, First Woman to Earn Honor
Tulsa Police Department Detective Paula Maker has been named the 2026 Oklahoma Officer of the Year, becoming the first woman to receive the statewide honor. Maker was recognized Wednesday, October 28, during an awards ceremony in Oklahoma City hosted by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The recognition highlights more than a decade of investigative work involving some of the most difficult crimes against children in northeastern Oklahoma.
Maker, a veteran detective assigned to the Tulsa Police Department's Child Crisis Unit, was selected from more than 40 nominees representing law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma. Her selection followed recognition as the Northeast Region Officer of the Year, advancing her to consideration for the statewide award. The honor recognizes not only her investigative accomplishments but also her leadership, mentorship and commitment to supporting fellow officers.
Paula Maker Makes History With Oklahoma Officer of the Year Award
Maker's selection marks a milestone for Oklahoma law enforcement, making her the first female officer to earn the state's highest individual recognition through the Officer of the Year program. The award celebrates exceptional service, investigative excellence and contributions that extend beyond an officer's daily responsibilities.
The ceremony was hosted by Attorney General Gentner Drummond, whose office oversees statewide law enforcement initiatives and works with agencies throughout Oklahoma. The annual recognition brings attention to officers whose dedication and performance have made a significant difference in their communities.
According to News On 6's coverage of the award, Maker emerged from a field of more than 40 nominees after receiving the Northeast Region honor. Her recognition reflects both the complexity of her investigative work and the impact of her contributions to the Tulsa Police Department.
For Maker, the award represents more than a personal accomplishment. It also places a spotlight on detectives who investigate crimes against children, work that often occurs outside public view and requires extensive coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals and child protection agencies.
Tulsa Detective's Child Crisis Investigations Bring Justice to Victims
For more than 12 years, Maker has served in the Tulsa Police Department's Child Crisis Unit, investigating cases involving child homicides, severe physical abuse, torture, sexual abuse and neglect. These investigations frequently require careful evidence collection, sensitive interviews and collaboration with specialists to establish what happened to vulnerable victims.
Among her most significant cases was an 18-month investigation into the torture and homicide of 10-year-old Orlando Hugger Jr. The investigation was especially challenging because the child's body was not recovered, requiring detectives to build the case through other forms of evidence and testimony.
Maker's investigative work helped establish the circumstances surrounding the child's death and contributed to prosecutions that resulted in multiple life sentences. The case demonstrated the persistence required in complex homicide investigations, particularly when physical evidence is limited.
Her work in the Child Crisis Unit has involved some of the department's most emotionally demanding investigations. Such cases can extend for months or years as detectives work to document abuse, identify responsible individuals and develop evidence for prosecution.
Her recognition also draws attention to the importance of specialized investigative units. Crimes involving children often require approaches that differ from other criminal investigations, including trauma-informed interviewing practices and coordination with child advocacy organizations.
Paula Maker Mentors Detectives and Supports Fellow Officers
Beyond her investigative responsibilities, Maker serves as the senior detective in the Tulsa Police Department's Child Crisis Unit, helping guide newer investigators through complex cases. She currently mentors six detectives, sharing the experience she has gained from more than a decade of work involving crimes against children.
Her leadership also extends to the department's Peer-2-Peer support team, which provides assistance to officers facing emotional and professional challenges. Investigators assigned to child abuse and homicide cases routinely encounter traumatic evidence, making peer support an important resource for those responsible for handling difficult investigations.
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office highlighted Maker's mentorship and investigative service when announcing the regional award recipients earlier in October. The office praised her professionalism, compassion and willingness to support colleagues despite the demanding nature of her work.
The statewide selection process included nominees from law enforcement agencies throughout Oklahoma, with regional winners chosen by panels of criminal justice professionals. The Attorney General's Office then selected the statewide honoree from those regional recipients.
Maker's recognition also represents an important moment for women serving in Oklahoma law enforcement. As the first woman to receive the statewide award, she joins a growing number of female officers whose work in specialized investigations and departmental leadership is receiving broader recognition.
For Detective Paula Maker, the 2026 Oklahoma Officer of the Year award recognizes more than investigative success. It honors a career dedicated to protecting vulnerable children, seeking justice for victims and helping fellow officers carry the weight of difficult work.
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