Just hours before the NBA Finals tip off in Oklahoma City, Governor Kevin Stitt unveiled a sweeping new safety initiative aimed at transforming how the state handles large public gatherings. Dubbed “Secure Oklahoma N.O.W.” (Not On Our Watch), the program introduces a comprehensive playbook for event security, promising to make concerts, festivals, and sporting events safer and more coordinated than ever before.
Oklahoma Governor Drops Bombshell Safety Program
| Takeaway | Stat |
|---|---|
| Statewide Safety Standard | First of its kind in the U.S. |
| Event Risk Rating System | Factors include attendance, venue, traffic, and event type |
| Drone Surveillance | Deployed at high-attendance events |
| Counterterrorism Support | Statewide threat assessments available |
What Is Secure Oklahoma N.O.W.?
Secure Oklahoma N.O.W. is a statewide safety framework designed to standardize and elevate security protocols for large-scale events across Oklahoma. Developed over five months by a 12-member advisory council comprising experts in emergency preparedness and response, the initiative aims to prevent incidents and ensure a coordinated response when emergencies occur.
Governor Stitt emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “Oklahoma is leading the nation in securing our communities and keeping our residents safe.”
Why Now?
The timing of the announcement is no coincidence. With Oklahoma City hosting the NBA Finals and the Women’s College World Series, the state anticipates an influx of visitors. Governor Stitt expressed his commitment to safety, saying, “As we look forward to the big events here in Oklahoma, I just want to make sure we’re as well prepared as we can be to address any of these threats.”
The initiative also responds to recent national incidents, such as the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which resulted in 14 fatalities. In response, Governor Stitt established the advisory council through an executive order on January 13.
What’s in the Guide?
The Secure Oklahoma N.O.W. guide is a nine-page document that introduces a rating system for events based on factors like attendance, venue, traffic, and event type. Depending on an event’s rating, the guide offers tailored recommendations and resources to implement the guidelines effectively.
Key components include:
- Pre-Event Threat Assessments: Conducted by the Oklahoma Counter Terrorism Intelligence Center.
- Interagency Coordination: Support from the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security for emergency communications planning.
- Drone Surveillance: Deployment of the Department of Public Safety’s Drone Response Team to monitor high-attendance events.
- Public Reporting: Encouragement for citizens to use the Protect OK app to report suspicious activities.
Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton described the guide as a “living document” that will evolve with emerging threats and technologies.
How Will It Be Used?
The guide serves as a standardized protocol for local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management teams. It aims to ensure that all agencies operate from the same playbook, enhancing coordination and response times during emergencies.
Governor Stitt encouraged all relevant agencies across Oklahoma to begin implementing the best practices outlined in the guide.
A Personal Perspective
Having covered numerous large-scale events, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with ensuring public safety. The introduction of a comprehensive, standardized guide like Secure Oklahoma N.O.W. is a significant step forward in proactive event management.
Public Reception
The initiative has garnered attention on social media, with many praising the state’s proactive approach to event safety.
Looking Ahead
As Oklahoma continues to host major events, the Secure Oklahoma N.O.W. initiative positions the state as a leader in event safety and coordination. By adopting a standardized approach, Oklahoma aims to provide a safe environment for all attendees, ensuring that large gatherings can be enjoyed without compromising security.
