The Okmulgee Police Department has recently seen a change in leadership with the appointment of Chief Danny Owen, a seasoned law enforcement officer with an impressive ca- reer spanning three decades. In an exclusive interview, Chief Owen shared insights into his journey, experiences, and vision for the department.
— Early Career & Progression
Chief Danny Owen began his law enforcement career with the Okmulgee Police Department in November 1994.
“I started out in the Lake Patrol Division,” Owen recalls. “As a young 20-something, you want to be where the action is, but spending that year on lake patrol was invaluable for developing my people skills.”
Over the years, Chief Owen worked his way through various assignments, including patrol and investigations. His dedication and skills earned him promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and eventually Captain, culminating in his current position as Chief of Police.
Reflecting on his career, Owen remarked, “It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long, but time does get away from you.”
Having lived in Okmulgee County his entire life, Chief Owen has deep roots in Okmulgee.
“I have always been around,” he said. “I certainly could have gone other places, but I enjoy being here, and before you know it, 30 years have passed.”
It was this deep connection to the community that influenced his decision to step into the role of Chief.
“I never started out thinking I would become Chief,” Owen explained. “I was happy as a lieutenant. But when the opportunity arose, I felt a sense of duty to the officers and the community. It was time to repay the city that had given me so much.”
— Memorable Assignments
When asked about his favorite assignment, Chief Owen fondly recounted his time as a lieutenant in patrol.
“I always tell guys that the best job in the department was the lieutenant’s job,” he said. “You had six or seven guys that were assigned to you and your shift and you basically manage that shift, took those calls and kind of made your own way. You formed friendships, relationships with those guys.”
One particularly memorable experience was a unique call from dispatch to assist a man who needed water.
“I go over, pull up to the address, walk up there and knock on the door.” Owen begins, “Sure enough, I hear ‘Oh, come on in, come on in.’ So I open the door and I’m looking around, right. I hear- ‘I’m over here’ And I walk in and he was in a hospital bed. I walk in and I look over there and I said ‘how you doing?’ He says ‘I’m doing alright’ and I said well I got a call here to come by. And they said something about getting you some water and he said yeah, and he immediately starts apologizing. I walk over there to him. And he’s obviously ill. And he said, I hated to call you guys, I really did. He said, My home health person was here this evening. And before she left, she forgot to fill my water pitcher and I’m out and she will not be back until the next morning.
‘So I’m feeling really bad. And I’m like well alright let’s fill this water pitcher up. So I go over there and I’m filling it up and we’re talking and he had cancer from what he told me. I fill his water. Of course he fills his drink. He’s just constantly ‘man I appreciate it so much’ and I’m like it’s no problem. You know, it’s no problem at all. And, oddly enough, he goes you’re so and so. He didn’t say my name. But he said my car number. And I’m kind of looking at him. And I’m like, yeah, how do you know that? He points and he’s got a little police scanner sitting there and he goes, ‘I listen to you guys all the time. So, I recognize your voice. He said I was wondering who they were going to send and I heard your voice on there.
‘I’m just so embarrassed I had a call about this. He said I listen to you guys all the time.’ – He could tell me calls that we had been on. So we sat there and had us a good old talk. You know? He said, You should come back sometime if you get a chance. I know you guys are busy and everything. And I’m like, Yeah, I will. And I said let me fill this water pitcher up again before I leave because he had drank some water. So I went over there, filled it back up and set it back down. I told the guy like if you ever need that refilled, you call us and we’ll come back over and fill it. He said well I’ll try not to. I went on my way and I have never forgotten.”
Initially skeptical, Owen was moved by the man’s gratitude and their ensuing conversation. “It was a humbling reminder that you never know how a simple act can impact someone’s life,” he said.
— Technological & Social Changes
Chief Danny Owen has seen law enforcement undergo significant transformations in technology and community engagement throughout his career.
He reflected on the early days, saying, “When I started, we didn’t have cell phones or computers in patrol cars. We’d use pay phones to call dispatch and handwrite reports.” These days, the landscape is vastly different. “Technology has transformed how we operate, making some tasks easier but also changing how we interact with the community.”
Despite these advancements, Chief Owen stresses the importance of personal connections.
“Communication is crucial,” he stated. “People want to be heard and understood. It’s vital for building trust and effectively serving the community.” This commitment to communication is central to Owen’s approach, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces human interaction.
— Enhancing Community Engagement
Enhancing community engagement is a cornerstone of Chief Owen’s strategy. He is particularly focused on schools but recognizes the challenges posed by staffing shortages.
“We’ve faced a rough stretch with staffing, limiting our ability to implement programs like school resource officers,” he explained. Despite these hurdles, Owen is determined to find ways to connect with the community. Plans include visiting each council ward to invite residents to share their concerns and ideas. An idea, Owen said, was sparked by Councilman Jeffrey.
Owen highlighted the role of police presence at community events. “It’s not just about providing security. It’s about interacting with residents, building relationships, and being approachable,” he said. This proactive approach aims to foster trust and open lines of communication between the police force and the community.
— Facing Challenges & Setting Goals Chief Owen candidly acknowledges the significant challenges the department has faced, particularly regarding staffing shortages.
“It was a rough stretch. We were working 140 hours every two weeks, no days off. It was not sustainable,” he admitted. However, he commended his officers for their dedication. “But the officers stuck with us. They could have left, but they didn’t. I felt a duty to lead them.”
The immediate goal is to stabilize staffing.
“Right now, we’re three down from being fully staffed, which is much better than being ten down,” he noted. With more officers expected to return from the academy soon, Owen is optimistic.
“Once we have more officers back from the academy, it will make a huge difference.”
Beyond addressing staffing issues, Owen is focused on increasing community engagement.
“We plan to visit each council ward and participate more in community events,” he said. “It’s about building relationships and being present.” This dual focus on internal stability and external engagement aims to create a resilient and responsive police force.
— Looking Ahead
Chief Owen envisions continuous improvement and adaptation for the Okmulgee Police Department.
“Every chief has their own ideas and approaches,” he said. “For me, it’s about maintaining strong relationships with other agencies and improving community ties. The goal is to serve and protect while also being an integral part of the community.”
Looking forward, Owen plans to offer ongoing training and professional development for officers to ensure they are equipped with the latest law enforcement techniques and community engagement practices. He believes this will enhance the overall safety and security of the community.
— Personal Insights
Chief Owen’s decision to take on the role of police chief was driven by a deep sense of duty and commitment to Okmulgee.
“The city and community have been good to me. It was time to repay that by stepping up,” he shared. His extensive experience within the department has prepared him well for this leadership role. “I’ve worked every spot there is, from patrol to investigations. That experience has given me a broad perspective on how to lead effectively,” he said.
Describing his leadership style, Chief Owen emphasized integrity and community focus. “I believe in professionalism and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. My goal is to lead by example and foster a culture of trust and accountability within the department,” he explained.
As Chief Danny Owen leads the Okmulgee Police Department into the future, his blend of experience, dedication, and community focus promises a brighter and safer environment for all residents.
