Senate Wins Approval for OSBI, OHP to Deploy for Manhunts and Missing Person Searches

Oklahoma City, Okla. (KOKH) — A proposed bill would require local law enforcement agencies to notify OSBI and OHP during manhunts or missing persons searches.

Senate Bill 1002 passed 47-0 in the Senate and now heads to the House for consideration.

Senator Roger Thompson (R-Okemah) says the Athena Brownfield case was the inspiration behind SB 1002.

“It is so easy to take our eyes off the children,” Sen. Thompson said. “Athena Brownfield made me refocus on what is important. That is the children of our state.”

Thompson says SB 1002 requires local law enforcement agencies to notify OSBI and OHP within six hours of a manhunt or missing persons search.

Thompson says the six hour window is crucial in solving cases like Athena’s.

“It allows the state agencies to activate immediately and get their resources together,” Thompson said. “They will be there on the ground searching when every minute counts.”

Right now, local agencies can decide when or if they are going to ask OSBI or OHP for help.

Thompson says most law enforcement agencies are in support of his bill.

“Our children are too precious,” Thompson said. “Time is precious. We need to get as many resources on the ground, as quickly as possible.”