The OCPD is one of the oldest police departments in Oklahoma, tracing its roots back to Indian Territory[citation needed].

[7][page needed] In the unit, Bryce recovered dozens of stolen cars, and broke-up numerous bootlegging outfits and gambling rackets.

"[7][page needed] Bryce left the OCPD and later became an FBI Special Agent in Charge, before running unsuccessfully for Governor of Oklahoma.

[4][page needed] The department began new investigation units, such as burglary, traffic accident, white collar crime, and fingerprint collection.

[4][page needed] In 1972, Shirley (Cox) Conner, Sherry (Hamman) Garcia, Norma Jean (Bowerman) Adams, Julie (Black) Smith, and Gladys (Burns) Loflin became the first female police officers to be employed and assigned to uniformed patrol duties.

Detective Mike McPherson of the Auto Theft Unit and a Bomb Squad member arrived on scene moments after the blast.

McPherson assisted the investigators by locating the hidden VIN number on the axle, which later allowed the FBI to tie the truck to McVeigh.

In 2015, the OCPD announced plans to implement body cameras for patrol officers with an initial pilot program lasting a year, to be followed by wider adoption.

The Chief's offices are located at the main police headquarters at 700 Colcord Dr on the west side of Downtown Oklahoma City.

The Chief's office also has responsibility for finance and personnel oversight of the department and provides direction to the Oklahoma City division of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

[4][page needed] About 8:30 AM Friday, March 16, 2001, Joseph L. Meyer, 33, fled on foot the scene of a non-injury accident near NW 36th and Pennsylvania.

About the same time Justin Cornielson was preparing to unload cases of Budweiser beer from a tractor-trailer at the Homeland grocery store at NW 39th and Pennsylvania (Penn).

Oklahoma City Police officers started pursuing the stolen beer truck south bound on Penn.

Joseph Meyer was arrested near the scene and charged with larceny of a vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon and attempting to elude police.

[4][page needed] The office is composed of supervisors, who work in conjunction with specialized detective units to investigate claims of misconduct, including those both criminal or unprofessional in nature.

[17] In 2015, the department announced plans to implement body cameras for patrol officers with an initial pilot program lasting a year, to be followed by wider adoption.

[18] The pilot program started in January 2016, but the use of these cameras was suspended less than six months later due to labor disagreements between the department and the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police.

[21] In December 2010, the department agreed to formally apologize and pay $30,000 to a woman who was mistakenly arrested in front of her grandchildren in 2009, after her name was incorrectly entered into a database by a police clerk.

[24][25] In August 2012, Sergeant Maurice Martinez pleaded guilty to 12 counts of sexual abuse of foster children in his care.

[26][27] In December 2015 Officer Daniel Holtzclaw was convicted of 18 charges of rape or sexually assault against multiple women (ranging in age from 17 to 57) on his patrol route.

Holtzclaw was fired from the department before the trial began in January, and after the guilty verdict was returned, Police Chief Citty issued a statement that "we are satisfied with the jury's decision and firmly believe justice was served".

Keith Sweeney responded to a call with an emotionally disturbed person, Dustin Pigeon, who was threatening to light himself on fire.

After reviewing the incident, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater filed 2nd Degree Murder charges against Sweeney.

In an August 2018 preliminary hearing, Oklahoma County Special Judge Kathryn Savage found enough evidence to bind Sweeney for trial.

[35] In March 2023 a police captain was pulled over for drunk driving off-duty and in the process repeatedly asked the officer to turn off his body camera.

[10] During the FTO program, Recruit Officers are graded daily on more than 30 different categories ranging from personal safety to interactions with citizens.

The word "POLICE" is printed in large white letters on the side doors, and "We Serve With Pride" appears above the rear wheel wells.

An abbreviation denoting the division that the vehicle is assigned to appears on the rear trunk (HF-Hefner, SW-Southwest, SF-Santa Fe, SL-Springlake, BT-Bricktown, WRWA-Will Rogers World Airport, US-Uniform Support, BP-Bike Patrol, VCAT-Violent Crime Apprehension Team).

When in flight, the helicopters use the FAA callsign Air-One or Air-Two to communicate with Oklahoma City Air Traffic Control.

After completing their new hire probation officers may select another firearm from an approved list, but must purchase the gun and supporting equipment at their own expense.