Norman Police Department Adds New Bureau With Goal Of Community Outreach

The Norman Police Department is preparing to add a new bureau in 2022. The new bureau will be made up of 45 people, including 20 civilians, who will focus on outreach and public safety solutions.

Friday, December 10th 2021, 6:47 am

By: Tevis Hillis

NORMAN, Oklahoma -

The Norman Police Department is adding a new bureau in 2022. It will be split between staff functions and community engagement.

The bureau will be made up of 45 people, including 20 civilians. Their focus will be on outreach and implementing public safety solutions.

The discussion about creating the new bureau began in October.

Norman Police hope this will help educate the public on how to share their concerns.

“Our injury accidents are up and we want to reduce that. That does the most social harm in our community,” said Chief Kevin Foster with the Norman Police Department.

This new bureau is also meant to address the 12% increase in crime in Norman.

Since the beginning of this year, Norman PD has responded to more than 3 thousand violent felonies, rapes, arson, and thefts.

The major issue the department is facing is a shortage of applicants. The chief says the applicant pool so far this year is down by half.

Tevis Hillis

Tevis Hillis, a proud Oklahoma native, anchors the weekend morning news. She also covers breaking news, education, and topics relevant to people in their 20s for her weekday audience. In addition to her on-air role, Tevis is an adjunct professor for OU Nightly, mentoring over 160 students each semester.