OHP-The Oklahoma Highway Patrol on Friday, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, was continuing Operation Safe by addressing homeless encampments on state property. Many individuals had already moved on with the help of resources offered during this process, cooperating fully with troopers. At this time, no arrests have been made.
Some of the people OHP spoke with have lived on state property for more than 10 years, making relocation especially difficult. They recognize these challenges and are working with nonprofit organizations to connect individuals with the support and resources they need. While the overall impact on the homeless population may be small, the primary goal is the safety of those who camp just yards from highway traffic or cross highways on foot.
While this mission is carried out with compassion, the risks posed by these encampments are significant. They have observed environmental hazards near public waterways, fires set close to structures and vegetation, and drug paraphernalia left behind. Drug use is never safe, and it is particularly dangerous near active highway traffic.
OHP says the mission in this operation is simply safety.
