The Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office continues to serve as the backbone of public safety across the county, overseeing law enforcement operations in rural areas, providing security for the county courthouse and coordinating thousands of emergency calls each year.

Under the leadership of Sheriff Eddy Rice, now in his 21st year as sheriff, the agency reported 1,132 total offenses in 2025, reflecting a slight decline from 1,172 offenses in 2024, but still higher than the 1,066 incidents recorded in 2023.

The Sheriff ’s Office currently operates with 19 deputies, 13 dispatchers and three office staff, providing law enforcement services for all of Okmulgee County, including responsibility for courthouse security operations, patrol coverage, investigations, warrant service and emergency dispatch coordination.

— Property crime continues to dominate case load Property-related offenses remained among the most frequent calls handled by deputies in 2025. The Sheriff ’s Office reported 67 larceny and theft cases, along with 62 burglary or breaking-and-entering incidents. Motor vehicle thefts totaled 34 cases, while vandalism and property damage incidents reached 39, underscoring the continued focus on property crime enforcement throughout the county.

Traffic enforcement also accounted for a substantial share of activity, including 82 non-specific traffic violations, 18 abandoned vehicle cases and 12 impoundments during the year.

— Violent crime remains low countywide

Despite the steady pace of overall activity, violent crime levels remained comparatively low. No homicides were reported in 2025, compared to one each in 2023 and 2024. Aggravated assault cases dropped again to 16, continuing a downward trend from 28 in 2023 and 21 in 2024. Simple assault cases totaled 69, consistent with prior years.

Sex-related offenses remained limited, with one forcible rape, nine forcible fondling cases and no incest offenses reported for the year.

— Warrant service, public safety calls drive daily operations Warrant service continues to be one of the Sheriff ’s Office’s most labor-intensive responsibilities. Deputies served 230 local warrants in 2025, marking an increase from 219 in 2024 and 149 in 2023. In addition, deputies executed 31 warrants for other agencies, reinforcing the department’s role as a regional law enforcement partner.

Public safety and welfare calls also remained a consistent part of daily operations. Animal-related incidents increased, including 24 animal cruelty cases, up from 14 the previous year. Deputies also responded to 15 animal bite incidents, numerous public peace calls and 20 unattended deaths.

Mental health-related calls remain an area of concern. The Sheriff ’s Office reported 11 suicide-related incidents in 2025, a significant increase from three in 2024 and two in 2023, reflecting the growing mental health challenges faced by law enforcement and emergency responders across rural Oklahoma.

— Courthouse security sees heavy activity

In addition to countywide patrol duties, the Sheriff ’s Office is responsible for securing the Okmulgee County Courthouse. According to the 2025 Courthouse Security Report, deputies and security staff scanned 32,003 IDs at courthouse entry points throughout the year. That activity resulted in 140 security reports and 79 arrests, highlighting the importance of maintaining a consistent law enforcement presence within the courthouse itself — Dispatch coordinates tens of thousands of calls The Sheriff ’s Office Communications Center handled an extraordinary volume of calls in 2025, serving as the coordination hub for law enforcement, fire and medical services throughout the county.

Dispatchers logged 18,323 calls for the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office, 18,043 for the Okmulgee Police Department, 7,847 EMS calls and 1,247 calls for the Okmulgee Fire Department. Rural fire departments also relied heavily on dispatch services, including 160 calls for Morris Fire Department, along with dozens more for Twin Hills, Preston, Nuyaka and Beggs.

In total, dispatchers answered 16,309 incoming 911 calls and handled an additional 55,356 administrative line calls, illustrating the scale and complexity of emergency coordination performed behind the scenes each day.

— A Countywide Mission

Taken together, the statistics reflect an agency whose responsibilities extend well beyond traditional crime enforcement. With a limited staff and countywide jurisdiction, the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office continues to balance patrol operations, warrant service, courthouse security, mental health response and emergency communications, maintaining public safety across urban, rural and unincorporated areas alike.

— Total Reported Offenses • 2023: 1,066

• 2024: 1,172

• 2025: 1,132 — Violent Crime Snapshot Homicides • 2023: 1

• 2024: 1

• 2025: 0

Aggravated Assault • 2023: 28

• 2024: 21

• 2025: 16 — Property Crime Trends

Burglary/Breaking & Entering • 2023: 61

• 2024: 54

• 2025: 62

Motor Vehicle Theft • 2023: 33

• 2024: 42

• 2025: 34 Vandalism • 2023: 67

• 2024: 48

• 2025: 39 — Local Warrants • 2023: 149

• 2024: 219

• 2025: 230 — Suicide-Related Incidents

• 2023: 2

• 2024: 3

• 2025: 11 — Courthouse Security (2025) • IDs Scanned: 32,003

• Security Reports: 140

• Arrests: 79 — Dispatch & 911 Call Volume (2025) • OCSO Calls Dispatched: 18,323

• 911 Incoming Calls: 16,309

• Administrative Line Calls: 55,356