Oklahoma City Police Department History 1990-Present

September 1990 brought a change to the OCPD badge for the first time since the 1920's. A commission numbering system was implemented and the city seal added to the badge.

The 1990's brought about further advancements in technology and specialized programs for the community. Mobile data terminals (MDTs) were installed in each patrol car. These mobile terminals permit calls to be dispatched and officers to perform record checks from their vehicle. Creation of an Equine Testing lab, wherein samples from racing horses throughout the state are tested to insure the horses are free of drugs.
Programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and Initiating Multiple Police Actions against Criminal Targets (IMPACT) were readily accepted within the community. DARE officers teach school students the problems associated with substance abuse. IMPACT officers target specific criminal problems within their Division. The IMPACT program coordinates police response to problems identified by the citizens, neighborhood associations and field officers. Once targeted, IMPACT officers have a multitude of options available to them to insure they stop the criminal activities.

As the Department continues to grow and expand, the Hefner Briefing Station was opened in 1992 providing greater patrol coverage in far north and west Oklahoma City. A new Equestrian Facility and Canine kennel was built to house police horses and dogs.

More recently, the 616 Colcord Building has been acquired and is being remodeled to provide additional office and laboratory work space. Included in the building is community relations, police recruiting and expanded forensic labs to include a DNA lab which is under construction.

Today, Oklahoma City encompasses a total land area of approximately 620 square miles, making it one of the largest geographical sized cities in America. The City boasts a constantly growing population of more than 560,000 citizens and a combined metropolitan population rapidly approaching one million. For the Police Department, the control of such a large jurisdiction requires intensive research to insure the proper allocation of manpower and resources.

Presently, OCPD employs 1,057 commissioned officers and 300 civilians and operates with a budget close to $100 million annually. Funding includes dedicated sales taxes for salaries and most recently a special short term sales tax to fund technological advancements. The Department is managed by three deputy chiefs, each heading a bureau: the Operations Bureau being responsible for calls for police service and policing special events and includes specialized units such as Air Support, K-9, tactical units, etc..; Investigations Bureau which is responsible for all follow-up investigations, technical investigations and laboratory services, property management and the jail; and the Administration Bureau being responsible for communications, records and support services. Administrative matters for the Department and Criminal Intelligence is overseen directly by the Chief and includes a Gang Enforcement Unit who monitors and targets gang activity throughout the metro area.