Ford Against OHP Pullout of Metro Areas
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, today expressed displeasure with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner’s abrupt announcement that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will no longer provide law enforcement coverage on interstate highways in the state's two largest metropolitan areas – Tulsa and Oklahoma City – beginning Nov. 1. This would leave enforcement to local police departments. "I'm against the Patrol pulling manpower from these densely populated areas," said Ford, who serves as chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee. "There has to be a better way to address the department's concerns that doesn't involve putting citizens in danger. I worry about increased incidences of driving under the influence and unattended collisions on interstate highways that currently fall under the Patrol's jurisdiction. The fact is, troopers patrolling these highways saves Oklahomans lives.” Ford, a former Tulsa Police officer, said he's confident in the city's ability to pivot and address the areas of shortage left in the Patrol's absence, but it shouldn't have to. Ford said he'll be working to get more information from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Highway Patrol as well as examining state statute regarding the Patrol's areas of responsibility and whether DPS has exceeded its authority in redistributing Patrol resources.