Oklahoma State University

Police Department

Welcome to this month’s Chief’s Brief. A monthly column to let you, the community, know what has been happening on the campus, where you can meet an officer, answer any questions you have about your university police department and offer a monthly safety tip.
On Nov. 1, several new laws went into effect in Oklahoma. I want to briefly talk about two. 

Senate Bill 54 expands the DUI law and the circumstances under which driving under the influence can now be charged as a felony. Another new law criminalizes interfering with law enforcement or EMS personnel in the completion of their duties. 

The new DUI law makes it a felony DUI for the following reasons, even if it is your first offense:

• Have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher. (The legal limit is .08.)
• Evade police
• Drive recklessly, 20+ MPH over the posted speed limit and 10+ mph over in a school zone
• Are involved in a crash.
• Have a child in the vehicle

Aggravated DUI can now result in 10 days in jail. Think before you drink, be smart and have a designated driver.

It is now a misdemeanor crime to stay within 25 feet of law enforcement, correctional, probation, parole or EMS personnel with the intent to harass, interfere or distract them while conducting their duties. A warning must be given by the officer. If the order is ignored, a misdemeanor charge can result. Even after the warning, it is still OK to record or observe an officer, but it must be done from 25 feet away. 

 

Monthly Calls for Service

OSUPD calls for service increased 41% in October. OSUPD is averaging 52 calls for service a day for 2025. 

 

October included the shooting outside Carreker Hall on Oct. 19. OSUPD investigators continue to work on the case despite a lack of cooperation from those involved. Evidence has been taken to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab, and we are awaiting the results. 

 

OSUPD has closed a major theft case of projectors and computers, which occurred in September. The investigation led OSUPD officers to Oklahoma City. A joint operation with the Oklahoma City Police Department led to the recovery of some of the stolen property. A suspect was arrested and charged with the thefts.

 

• Vehicle accidents decreased by 71%
• Arrests increased by 33%
• Officers made 100 traffic stops. Of those, 18 resulted in a citation and 82 were issued a warning.

Upcoming OSUPD Events:

• Nov 21: Vehicle Safety check Nov. 21 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Circle drive south of Iba Hall. No appointment necessary. Officers will check fluid levels and tire pressures before students start home for the Thanksgiving break.
• Nov 29: Cowboy Football home game  

Safety Tips:  
As we approach the Thanksgiving break, make sure you are prepared to travel, whether by car or plane. Have your plans finalized early and let your friends or family know your plans, so that way, if something happens, they know your route.

 

• If you drive, make sure you have a kit with essentials such as snacks, water, jumper cables, an extra charger for your phone, and know your route, as some stores may close for the holidays.
• If flying, make sure you have your REAL ID, give yourself plenty of time before your flight, register for alerts from the airline and give your flight numbers to a family or friend so they can keep up with you.

Don’t forget to download the Rave Guardian app from the Apple or Google Play Store. For more information and links to download, visit safety.okstate.edu/safety-resources/rave-guardian.html.
  
Questions or suggestions? Email OSUPDCHIEF@okstate.edu. 
We will see you around campus. GO POKES!
Michael T. Beckner
Chief of Police