OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL HISTORY

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In 1937, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was created under Governor E. W. Marland. That same year the first 125 graduated from the Highway Patrol Academy. The new state troopers met resistance from Oklahoma motorists who were not used to living within the bounds of traffic regulations when none had ever before existed. But the troopers were prepared for this as they paved the way for all future officers by exerting good manners and service to all citizens. A total of 288,277 warnings compared with only 5,518 arrests and citations were written in the first nine months of patrol.

With over 800 troopers statewide, the division has grown into several areas of special services, including Public Information, Capitol Patrol, Marine Enforcement, Training, Bomb Squad, Motorcycle, Tactical Teams, Special Operations, Aircraft, Audits, and Fraudulent Driver License. The department revived "The Flying Squadron," a motorcycle division. A bomb squad was organized that operated state-of-the-art equipment unparalleled in Oklahoma, including two bomb trucks and robots. The east and west tactical teams continue to send their troopers through specialized training programs that elevate them to the best in the state. Special Operations, formerly Criminal Interdiction, now has troopers who each have a well-trained drug canine.

OHP automobiles are among the most traditional in their paint scheme. They are black and white, with a distinctive angular patch of white just behind the passenger compartment; the identification 'Oklahoma Highway Patrol' is contained in an outline of the state in black on the side doors. This has been the uniform scheme since the first unit of 1937. For several decades, the angular patch of white on the rear fenders has been a reflective applique for improved visibility at night.

Today the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's role as the state's primary state police force puts the patrol at the "spear tip" of Oklahoma law enforcement, serving as the state's only state police agency, with a permanent, uniformed presence in all of Oklahoma's 77 counties. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is well adapted to the demands of 21st Century law enforcement and is the only state agency with the reach, strategic flex, and mission design to proactively prevent crime, to provide specialized resources to local partners, and prevent traffic-related deaths through uniformed police enforcement duties. (Wikipedia)