Special Operations

The Oklahoma City Police Department utilizes a multi-prong approach to narcotic enforcement.
Patrol officers routinely encounter individuals involved in the possession or distribution of illegal narcotics. All patrol generated arrests associated with narcotics are investigated with charges presented to the proper prosecuting authority (either the U.S. Attorney's Office, the County District Attorney’s Office, or the Municipal Attorney’s Office.)

We also have specialized units within the Special Projects Group (Major Violator Unit, Street Narcotics Unit, Interdiction Unit, and Criminal Interdiction Team of Central Oklahoma) that investigate large scale drug trafficking organizations, marijuana cultivation, clandestine laboratories, trafficking of narcotics in and through our city by means of mass transit, and illegally obtained prescription medications cases to include forged prescriptions and fraud.

In addition, the Special Projects Group is responsible for coordinating narcotics investigations with Federal, State, County and other municipal law enforcement agencies.

We have compiled a list of “Frequently Asked Questions” from inquiries we have received regarding narcotics arrests and investigations. Below, you will find the most asked:

1. How do I report suspected drug activity?
You can call the Narcotics Hotline at (405) 232-NARC (6272,) call the Crime Stoppers number at (405) 235-7300, text tips to (405) 415-5666, submit tips online, or call the Special Projects Group at (405) 297-1199. All this information should also be included under the tab “Report a Crime.”

2. How/when do I get my property back?
All evidence is held for court purposes and will only be released at the conclusion of that case. Property not being held as evidence can be released by the detective assigned to the case by calling the detective and requesting the property.

3. Why did officers take property that wasn’t related to my arrest?
Officers may book property for safe keeping during an arrest. This property can be released to owner by calling the assigned detective.

4. Can a relative/friend get my property from the property room?
Contact the Property room to make arrangement to pick up property for someone other than themselves. Then contact the assigned detective to release the property. Only property that is not being held as evidence can be released by the assigned detective.

5. How do I get my car back when it has a “hold” on it?
The detective working the case must authorize the release of the hold.

6. People ask about an on-going case that might involve their stolen property.
Most stolen property being held is for court purposes. You can contact the assigned detective and ask for the property to be released. You can also follow the case on OSCN.net to determine when the case is cleared. Once it has been closed you can contact the assigned detective to release the stolen property.

The Oklahoma City Police Vice Enforcement Unit is responsible for, and comprised of investigators who have received specialized training in the investigation of crimes involving Human Labor Trafficking, Human Sex Trafficking, Pandering, Prostitution, Obscene Material, Violations of the Oklahoma Anti-Gambling Act, Violations of the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, and Intellectual Property Right crimes.

To report suspected human trafficking or incidents of prostitution, call:
OKCPD Vice Enforcement Unit:  (405) 297-1194. You can leave your information if an investigator is not immediately available.

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics – Human Trafficking Division: (855) 617-2288. Hotline is answered 24 hours a day.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:  (800) THE-LOST (617-2288)

Prostitution

What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is the forced servitude of one person by another for specific purpose. The purpose can be as a laborer or to work in the sex industry. The sex industry includes strip clubs, massage parlors, escorts, and prostitution. In human trafficking, the trafficker holds some type of control over the victim. This control can be through the withholding of passports or identity documents, money, needed medications or narcotics, or the threat of bodily harm. There are age specifications where the victim is presumed to have been trafficked and is a per se trafficking victim.

What is pandering?
Pandering, or commonly referred to as “pimping,” is simply providing direction, protection, assistance, or receiving money that was derived from an agreement for sexual contact in exchange for something of value, usually money.

Is prostitution a misdemeanor or a felony crime?
Prostitution is generally a misdemeanor crime unless other circumstances are involved, such as human trafficking, that will then place the crime in a category of a felony.

House Bill 2054, which went into effect in July of 2023, increased the penalty for someone who purchases prostitution services from a misdemeanor to a felony.

I am writing a paper for school.  Where can I get statistics on human trafficking in Oklahoma City?
For all requests for statistics or reporting data, we ask that you make your request through the Office of Media Relations at (405) 297-1111. The request will be forwarded to the Vice Enforcement Unit, which will assign an investigator or supervisor to contact you.

The Oklahoma Anti-Gambling Act
Can my organization or business hold a raffle to raise money for a charity or office event?
Only organizations who are recognized as 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service can hold a raffle. These organizations are statutorily exempt from the gambling laws for the purposes of holding a raffle only; and the raffle must be for fundraising for the organization.

Is all gambling illegal in Oklahoma?
The only gambling that is permitted by Oklahoma Statutes are those who are recognized as 501C organization by the Internal Revenue Service. They are limited to the activities listed in the Title 3A of Oklahoma Statutes. These are Bingo, Raffles, and Sweepstakes. Other gambling taking place upon a recognized Native American Tribal Lands is authorized with limitations and must be regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

All sports betting in Oklahoma is illegal. This includes parlays, selling squares, and other gambling bets known by various names.

All card games where money is exchanged from losers to winners, or where a “buy-in” occurs are also prohibited. Card games are not recognized in Oklahoma as a game of skill.

Games of chance are also prohibited. This would include quarter pusher machines, slot machines (unless 25 years old or older), or other games of chance are illegal gambling devices and are subject to seizure.

The Office of Professional Standards of the Oklahoma City Police Department is part of the Office of the Chief and currently has two captains and six lieutenants assigned. The purpose of the Office of Professional Standards is to conduct investigations concerning formal complaints and allegations of criminal and administrative misconduct against employees of the Oklahoma City Police Department and other municipal employees as directed by the Chief of Police.

The primary mission of the Intelligence Unit is to collect and analyze information from all available resources and then disseminate this information as a finished intelligence product to those that can best make use of the information. In support of the overall mission, the unit has been participating with the U.S. Department of Justice’s anti-terrorism initiatives. The Intelligence Unit provides investigative support to the Joint Terrorism Task Force and to the United States Marshal Service Metro Fugitive Task Force.

Suspicious Activity Report (SAR)

The Violent Crime Apprehension Team is responsible for the initial field investigation and suppression of violent crime throughout the city. The unit achieves its mission by responding to violent crime as it occurs, collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and arresting responsible parties. The Violent Crime Apprehension Team coordinates criminal investigations with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and with other units of the Oklahoma City Police Department. 

Useful Links:  

National Gang Center https://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/

The primary purpose of the Criminal Enterprise and Financial Investigations Unit is to deter crime and weaken criminal enterprises by removing the instruments or benefits of committing crime. The unit will conduct financial investigations into alleged money laundering, possession of criminal proceeds, and structuring violations. Based on the results of the investigation, cases for asset forfeiture will be presented to the appropriate prosecuting authority.

The Graffiti Investigations Unit is responsible for tracking graffiti reported to the police and graffiti abated by the City of Oklahoma City. By tracking the graffiti, the unit attempts to identify graffiti taggers and crews or gang sets who vandalize public or private property within the City of Oklahoma City. After the vandals are identified, the Graffiti Investigations Unit conducts criminal investigations related to the vandalism. The Graffiti Investigation Unit also assists victims with abatement options and with methods of collecting restitution for their loss as a result of the vandalism.

Anyone who has information on the identity of taggers may be rewarded for their information. Information can be given to the Graffiti Unit by calling (405) 297-1244 or contact the Action Center.