Local Warrant Sweep Highlights Offender Accountability During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Click here to watch our livestream of the press conference

Oklahoma City, OK — Today concluded a weeklong, multi-agency sweep of domestic violence offenders throughout Oklahoma County resulting in the arrests of 121 individuals, with bail amounts totaling over $1,000,000. Additionally, at least 7 individuals will be extradited from across the United States.

“For every person that was arrested, there is a victim–and likely children–who have also been profoundly impacted by the abuser’s choice to use violence,” said Chief Bill Citty, Oklahoma City Police Department. “This type of violence knows no socioeconomic, geographic, racial, ethnic, or other boundaries.”

The multi-disciplinary coordinated sweep included representatives from the following agencies: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Del City Police Department; Midwest City Police Department; Oklahoma City Police Department; Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office; Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office; Oklahoma Department of Human Services; Palomar; United States Marshal Service, Western District; United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Oklahoma; and the YWCA.

This is the first warrant sweep in Oklahoma City that involved this diverse group of professionals who came together in a bold effort to hold domestic offenders accountable. This “whole community” approach for combating domestic violence is not only unprecedented in OKC, but also unprecedented in the nation.

“One of the most frustrating challenges policymakers face every day is the lack of coordination among agencies with similar missions,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “However, this week we witnessed the non-profit sector, as well as federal, state and local agencies work together to combat the crisis of domestic violence in our community. It’s inspiring and more validation for the coordination model that Palomar exemplifies.”

According to U.S. Marshall Johnny Kuhlman, “Domestic Violence affects all walks of life…the Western Oklahoma U.S. Marshal’s Metro Fugitive Task Force is committed to making our communities a safe place to raise our families. Targeting those who have committed domestic violence is a great way to accomplish that goal”.

The sweep coincides with national observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and brings emphasis to the prevalence of domestic violence throughout the county, as well as throughout the country. In addition to the awareness, Oklahoma City expanded the vision and focused on offender accountability.

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, please call the 24-hour Safeline at 1-800-522-SAFE for assistance with safety planning, crisis intervention and shelter.