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Oklahoma Governor's Office threatens to invoice Tulsa, Oklahoma City for Operation SAFE
A partially written sign left behind at a homeless encampment that was cleared in September 2025 as part of Operation SAFE. (Tim Landes / Tulsa Flyer)
By Sierra Pfeifer, KOSU
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Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is threatening to invoice Tulsa and Oklahoma City Police Departments for costs associated with clearing homeless encampments on state land.
Neither municipality has received formal charges, but they were told the state will “pursue every available avenue” to fine them if local police departments fail to “enforce the laws and address unlawful encampments.”
The threats stem from a controversial initiative called Operation SAFE, under which Stitt has ordered state troopers to forcibly clear encampment sites in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Norman.
State officials estimate that encampment sweeps cost more than $500,000 in Tulsa and more than $375,000 in OKC. Norman has not received a similar estimate.
The sweeps began in Tulsa in mid-September last year. The rapid enforcement measure came as a surprise to Tulsa leadership and local homeless service providers, who have criticized its effectiveness in functionally improving homelessness. During encampment sweeps, people experiencing homelessness can lose important documents, like IDs or birth certificates, that are often required to get a job or obtain housing.
Stitt has championed Operation SAFE since its launch. He said the move “is not about solving homelessness,” but rather about enforcing the law. Under the initiative, state troopers are dispatched to encampment sites on state land. Everyone they encounter is required to leave the area, and any possessions that remain are gathered up and thrown away.
Like Tulsa, neither Norman nor Oklahoma City leadership asked for Stitt to bring the operation to their city.
Now, Stitt’s office is threatening Tulsa and Oklahoma City with possible related charges. The news came in the form of a letter sent to police chiefs in each major city on Monday.
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The Oklahoma Rundown 📰
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Here’s what’s happening in Oklahoma today:
Mazzei and Drummond spar in Tulsa ahead of GOP runoff as Munson makes her case (The Oklahoma Eagle)
Mazzei seizes on Drummond’s comment about Republican ‘fascists’ (Tulsa World)*
Former candidate Jake Merrick endorses Mike Mazzei for Governor (News 9)
Robert Franklin, James Taylor offer different visions in Oklahoma state superintendent run (Fox 25)
Decoding the state questions on Oklahoma’s runoff ballot (The Lost Ogle)*
Oklahoma City wildfires destroy home and other structures, prompt arson investigation (KOCO)
Oklahoma Little League teams demand leadership purge, Tulsa charter revocation (The Oklahoman)*
New professional course aims to strengthen Oklahoma rural healthcare leaders (StateImpact Oklahoma)
State executes Oklahoma man convicted of shooting, killing woman (OklahomaVoice)
'It's pretty scary': Woman attacked on Lake Hefner trail leaves runners on high alert (KOCO)
Oklahoma students head back to school with focus on literacy (Oklahoma Voice)
Teachers and other state employees brace for possible health insurance increase (KFOR)
Minco water supply reaches critical levels, prompts emergency restrictions (Fox 25)
City of Bixby addresses citizen complaints of low water pressure (KJRH)
Water line fixed in Pittsburg County, but residents still waiting for pressure to return (News On 6)
Federal judge vacates illegal federal approvals for fracking on Pawnee trust land in Oklahoma (KOSU)
Tulsa flights are about to get cheaper. Here’s what you should know about booking your fall travels. (Tulsa Flyer)
Weleetka woman recovering after pygmy rattlesnake bite (News On 6)
Broken Arrow nature center trains citizen scientists to preserve firefly magic (StateImpact Oklahoma)
Hardesty Opportunity Fund expanding dance education in Broken Arrow (Broken Arrow Sentinel)
🎙️ Oklahoma Memo Podcast 🎙️
OKLAHOMA MEMO
Jim Priest on Data Centers, Rural Hospitals and Oklahoma’s Senate Runoff
Friday Poll
Should Oklahoma City and Tulsa have to reimburse the state for Gov. Stitt’s homeless encampment sweeps?
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