Oklahoma Highway Patrol Seeks $26M to Address Trooper Shortage, Expand Rural Coverage

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is asking state lawmakers for nearly $26 million to address a persistent trooper shortage that officials say is straining personnel and limiting law enforcement coverage across large portions of the state.

The agency currently has 766 troopers assigned to cover all 77 counties, according to Lt. Mark Southall, public information officer for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Officials say that staffing level has resulted in extended shifts, frequent on-call status, and troopers often working alone, particularly in rural areas, according to KTUL-TV.

“We’re asking the legislature to support the Oklahoma Patrol to help us with this funding so we can be best of service to the people of Oklahoma,” Southall said.

Southall said the staffing shortage is affecting both operational capacity and trooper wellness, noting that many personnel are on call nearly every workday, limiting time away from the job and placing added strain on families.

The shortage has also created coverage gaps statewide. Southall said attrition remains high, with approximately 25 to 35 troopers leaving the agency each year, while more than one-third of the current workforce is eligible for retirement.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton said the risks associated with the job are also contributing to recruitment and retention challenges.

“I think it’s not only the overtime or the on-call status, but also think it’s just the job is as dangerous as it’s ever been,” Tipton said. “The risks are as high as they’ve ever been, and that weighs on people’s minds as well.”

The funding request totals $25,896,134 and includes support for two 72-person training academies, along with $13.9 million dedicated to payroll and operational costs. If approved by the legislature, the funding would allow the patrol to add 100 troopers, reducing the current staffing deficit by more than half.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a force of approximately 950 troopers is needed to provide consistent 24-hour coverage statewide, reduce overtime demands, and improve response times in rural and high-need areas.

“To be able to have the manpower that we need to spread troopers out across the state, all 77 counties would be ideal,” Southall said. “There’s a lot of people in rural Oklahoma that just don’t have that law enforcement presence that the municipalities do.”