OHP was legislatively created on July 1, 1937, due to the growing problem of motor vehicle collisions, the expansion of highway systems, and the increase in criminal activities.

As the principal statewide law enforcement agency in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is tasked with providing policing, directed primarily 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 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.

The east and west tactical teams continue to send their troopers through specialized training programs that elevate them to the best in the state.

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.

Troopers are issued the SIG-Sauer P320; however, can carry an approved personal weapon which includes the Glock 17 and the SIG Sauer P226.

These state troopers are then assigned to enforcement duties with the Turnpike Authority but at all times remain a part of and under the command of the highway patrol.

As of the fiscal year 2011, the Turnpike Authority's annual contract provided over $12.4 million to the highway patrol in exchange for the services of 127 state troopers and six administrative support staffers.

Specialty troops of the highway patrol perform specialized law enforcement functions within the scope of the mission and operation of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, and have jurisdiction statewide.

The section provides aircraft to respond to various emergencies and tasks by supporting other law enforcement organizations as well as all units of the patrol.

In particular, the section's aircraft provide airborne assistance to OHP ground units in traffic enforcement, manhunts, and search and rescue operations statewide.

The bomb squad recovers pre and post-blast evidence provides CBRNE detection and emergency decontamination services, and serves as the state partner to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Unlike the field troops of the highway patrol, the Bomb Squad Section has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area.

Unlike the field troops of the highway patrol, the Investigations Division has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area.

In particular, the section performs traffic stops to investigate and prevent motor vehicle theft, fraud, and other stolen property forms.

The Special Operations Section detects and arrests criminals who use the state's roads and highways to transport drugs and other illegal substances.

Unlike the field troops of the highway patrol, the Special Operations Section has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area.

[6] It is the duty of the Lake Patrol Section, or Troop W, to serve as the boating education, enforcement and marine investigation arm of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

In addition to regular water patrol duties, Marine Enforcement troopers investigate boating accidents and drowning incidents.

During natural disasters and emergency situations, the Dive Team assists other state and local authorities with marine rescue activities.

Unlike the field troops of the highway patrol, has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area.

In the performance of their primary security duty, the Capitol Patrol troopers have the authority to enforce all parking, traffic, and criminal laws of the state.

The Training Section is divided into four detachments: Technical Skills, Academy Development, Defensive Tactics, and Legal Research.

Unlike the field troops of the highway patrol, has jurisdiction statewide as opposed to a specific geographic area.

In the event of a large-scale problem that other law enforcement agencies do not have the resources to handle, Tactical Team members can be dispatched to aid the local authorities.

[11] Pursuant to the provision of House Bill 1391, effective July 1, 2014, the education requirements to join the highway patrol will increase to the following:[12] All applicants to join the highway patrol must meet the following physical requirements (all events are pass/fail events):[13] Applicants must also undergo a written test consisting of reading comprehension, problem-solving, mathematics, writing, and spelling.

These tests determine the physical and mental qualifications and all potential test-takers must complete a course of training in operations and procedures related to the desired rank.

At this time, the civilian dispatchers began members of their own distinct uniformed service of OHP, though local troop commanders retained authority over then.

As provided for by OPM directives, basic requirements are: If selected for employment, the individual communications officer is placed on a mandatory twelve-month probationary status.

The first session consists of an orientation program, and the second week provides necessary training to be certified to handle sensitive information and to operate computer equipment and technical software.