Oklahoma Highway Patrol

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Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Patch of Oklahoma Highway Patrol
Abbreviation	OHP
Agency overview
Formed	April 20, 1937; 87 years ago (1937-04-20)
Employees	982 (as of 2011)
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction	Oklahoma, U.S.
Map of Oklahoma Highway Patrol's jurisdiction
Size	69,898 square miles (181,030 km2)
Population	3,956,971 (2019 est.)[1]
General nature	Civilian police
Operational structure
Headquarters	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Troopers	753 (actual, as of 2021)
Civilian employees	204 (as of 2011)
Agency executive	Chief Pat Mays, Chief of Patrol
Parent agency	Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Facilities
Stations	13 Field Troops
Website
Oklahoma Highway Patrol website

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is a major state law enforcement agency of the government of Oklahoma. A division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, the OHP has traffic enforcement jurisdiction throughout the state. OHP was legislatively created on July 1, 1937, due to the growing problem of motor vehicle collisions, the expansion of highway systems, and the increase in criminal activities.

As the principal statewide law enforcement agency in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is tasked with providing policing, directed primarily at achieving safer roadways and reducing crime through pro-active investigations, education and patrol services, and by providing leadership and resources during natural disasters, civil disorders and critical incidents. OHP has patrol jurisdiction over all state highways and waterways in Oklahoma, regulating motor vehicles, regulating explosive devices, and providing protection for the Governor of Oklahoma, the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma and members of the Oklahoma Legislature.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is under the command of Pat Mays, who is the current Chief of Patrol. Chief Mays was appointed by DPS Commissioner Tim Tipton to succeed Sugg as chief.