Tulsa police chief addresses safety concerns, crime rates

Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen addressed concerns about park safety, crime rates and new public safety initiatives, highlighting increased patrols at Turkey Mountain, progress in reducing homicides, the impact of a downtown teen curfew and the addition of new police cadets.

Thursday, August 21st 2025, 11:52 am

By: Brooke Cox

TULSA, Okla. -

Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen responded to concerns following a reported rape at Turkey Mountain, emphasizing that the area remains safe despite the ongoing investigation.

“I think the park is extremely safe,” Larsen said, noting increased bicycle patrols and air support to monitor the 730-acre area.

He explained that helicopter technology allows officers to track human movement at night, giving police a strategic advantage in patrolling the trails.

Murder Rate Ranking

Larsen pushed back on a national report that ranked Tulsa among the highest U.S. cities for murder rates per capita. He said the majority of homicides are not random but involve people who know each other, often tied to disputes or domestic violence.

“Since 2016, we’re down 39% in Tulsa in homicides,” Larsen said. He added that the department has solved every homicide case since August 2023 and works closely with prosecutors to ensure accountability.

Downtown Curfew And Bus Station Changes

The police chief credited the recently implemented downtown teen curfew with helping reduce violent crime in the entertainment district.

“The curfew has been a game changer,” Larsen said. “Since that went into effect, we haven’t had one violent incident of extreme violence in downtown.”

He said the addition of large boulders at the downtown bus station is still being evaluated, with more time needed before data can show a clear trend.

Recruiting New Officers

Larsen also highlighted progress in building police staffing, with a new class of cadets preparing to graduate in October and another starting training.

He said the department is seeing its largest academy class since the pandemic, with nearly 30 cadets enrolled.