The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is a major state law enforcement agency

State police

State police are a type of sub-national territorial police force, particularly in Australia and the United States. Some other countries have analogous police forces, such as the provincial police in some Canadian provinces, while in other places, the same responsibilities are held by national...

 of the government of Oklahoma

Government of Oklahoma

The government of the US State of Oklahoma, established by the Oklahoma Constitution, is a republican democracy modeled after the Federal government of the United States. The state government has three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial...

. It is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety

Oklahoma Department of Public Safety

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is a department of the government of Oklahoma. Under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security, DPS provides for the safety of Oklahomans and the administration of justice in the state...

. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was legislatively created in 1937 due to the growing problem of motor vehicle accidents, the expansion of a highway system, and the increase in criminal activities. Today, they comprise highly trained and motivated sworn troopers and civilian personnel who are dedicated to serve the citizens of Oklahoma.

As the principal statewide law enforcement agency in Oklahoma, the State Patrol is dedicated to providing quality policing directed 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.

The Highway Patrol is under the command of Colonel Kerry Pettingill

Kerry Pettingill

Kerry Pettingill is currently an American police officer in the state of Oklahoma. Early on in his career, Pettingill joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and has since served in a number positions. Pettingill served as the Oklahoma’s State Homeland Security Director for seven years...

, who is the current Chief of the Highway Patrol.