State breaks ground on state-of-the art law enforcement training facility

Multi-million-dollar investment

The state is investing in the future of public safety. Construction will soon begin on a multi-million-dollar training center for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other law agencies. The area in Lincoln County is currently dirt and open land, but the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton wants Oklahoma Highway Patrol academy recruits training on the future gun range by the Summer.

Ground-breaking on landmark law enforcement training center

Gov. Kevin Stitt led the ceremonial ground-breaking on Thursday, turning a dream into reality for Tipton. 

“I’ve gotten to train at facilities like this in other parts of the country,” said Commissioner Tim Tipton, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. “I know it’s something Oklahoma and law enforcement in Oklahoma have been lacking. My agency specifically, the Highway Patrol.”

State lawmakers approved the funding and 640 acres of land needed to build the largest law enforcement training center in the state.

“These are the folks that deserve the very best training, the very best tools and the best resources available,” said Stitt.

What comes first? DPS Training Center building phases

The first phase of construction includes a firing range, something the OHP currently borrows from metro agencies. A large driving track and reality-based training areas will follow.

“This will allow us to set up specific reality scenarios and put those officers in realistic conditions as we possibly can,” said Tipton. “Really will elevate what we’re able to do to prepare those Troopers and agents and officers that need this life-saving training.”

The buildings for classrooms, fitness, and offices will be in the last phase of the project.

“This will be something that can affect generations of law enforcement in Oklahoma to come,” said Tipton.

The state training facility will be open to city and county law enforcement agencies that do not have their own training facilities. The OSBI, OBN, State Fire Marshall's Office, ABLE commission, and Wildlife will all have access to the campus for training.