Tulsa Police Chief says downtown curfew for minors is working

Tulsa Police say a month-old curfew for minors in the downtown area has reduced youth-related issues, allowing officers to focus on nightlife safety and violent crime enforcement.

Thursday, July 17th 2025, 10:53 am

By: Brooke Cox

TULSA, Okla. -

Nearly one month after a downtown curfew for minors went into effect, Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen says the change has made a noticeable difference.

Crowds after 9 p.m. are now made up mostly of adults moving between entertainment venues, and officers are reporting fewer disruptions.

“It has been overwhelmingly successful,” Larsen said. “Having the youth out of downtown after 9 o'clock has allowed our officers to focus on the problems any entertainment district has.”

Police say more than 2,300 contacts with juveniles have been made since enforcement began, but only four citations were issued. Larsen said officers spent the first two weeks educating teens rather than ticketing them, which led to widespread compliance.

Support for Extension Through Halloween

The curfew is currently scheduled to expire in October, but Larsen said the department supports extending it, especially with Halloween falling on a Friday this year.

“It’s proven its value, especially in the downtown area,” Larsen said. “It wasn’t meant to generate funds—it was meant to protect our youth.”

Ceasefire Operation Removes Firearms

Police are also crediting the concurrent Operation Ceasefire task force with helping reduce violence. The unit targets repeat violent offenders and has recovered 100 firearms and made 41 felony arrests in its first month.

Only 10 juveniles were among those arrested.

Preventing Parties, Supporting Other Cities

In response to past violence at unsanctioned parties, TPD has worked with Airbnb hosts and neighbors to prevent gatherings from escalating. Officers have intervened in a dozen parties that had the potential to draw hundreds.

Larsen also noted the department's role in helping flood victims in New Mexico and Texas. Tulsa’s Emergency Management team is assisting with logistics, while members of Oklahoma Task Force One remain deployed in ongoing recovery efforts.

“Our folks are helping get supplies where they need to go and giving local responders a chance to rest,” Larsen said.