BJA FY 23 National Public Safety Partnership—Capacity Building Grant Limited Competition Grant

The Tulsa Police Department (TPD) proposes to implement an innovative policing strategy aimed at improving safety and security in Tulsa’s downtown entertainment districts. The project focuses on unique challenges faced by law enforcement in managing alcohol related concerns, large crowds, pedestrian traffic, parking lot safety, poor lighting conditions, and violent crime within this bustling urban area. By leveraging smart practices and cutting-edge technology, like TPD’s new Real Time Information Center (RTIC), high visibility cameras, specialized units, and community partnerships the goal is to create a safer environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

The grant will enable TPD to continue to implement the goals and objectives from the Public Safety Partnership’s strategic plan and assessments. Specifically, TPD will focus on strategy 1.1 of the strategic plan. Project activities include partnering with other city departments to improve conditions, through zoning, code enforcement, and graffiti abatement, contributing to violent crime. TPD will leverage the collaborative relationships established by the Gilcrease Division’s PM Impact Unit. PM Impact is a dedicated team whose primary initiative is to police the downtown entertainment districts and build trust so businesses may reach out for assistance. The Public Safety Analysis Unit will provide a preliminary review of calls for service in the entertainment districts and perform analysis of the problems underlying causes.

TPD will also focus on strategy 2.2 by leveraging existing advanced video monitoring and real-time data analytics to deploy resources strategically. This approach will help deter and address violent crime related incidents, ensuring the well-being of all patrons in the downtown districts. Alcohol related concerns pose a significant challenge in entertainment districts, often leading to public disorder, violence, and impaired driving. The presence of large crowds and heavy traffic demands effective crowd management strategies. TPD will partner with traffic engineers to install street bollards for effective traffic management. Temporarily closing streets, alleviating stagnant crowds, and keeping people moving are a priority for TPD.

Parking lots often become hotspots for criminal activity, especially in poorly lit areas. TPD will install smart lighting solutions to improve visibility, deter criminal behavior, and create a safer environment for vehicle owners, pedestrians, and residents. Additionally, TPD will integrate additional observation tools by increasing the number of license plate recognition systems to enhance security measures and aid in identifying potential offenders.