Resolution
ENROLLED HOUSE
RESOLUTION NO. 1018 By: Turner, Marti, Moore,
Eaves, Smith, Stark,
Munson, George, Stewart,
Kelley, Lay, Hays,
Schreiber, Hardin, Grego,
Lawson, and Worthen
A Resolution recognizing the Oklahoma State Bureau of
Investigation as the pr emier law enforcement
investigative agency of the state and for its service
to the citizens of Oklahoma .
WHEREAS, in 1924, Deputy United States Marshal Bill Tilghman was
shot in the line of duty, and in 1925, Governor M artin Edwin Trapp
recommended the creation of an agency of special investigators to
combat outlaws within the state, ultimately fulfilling the concept
that Deputy United States Marshal Bill Tilghman had put forth in
prior years; and
WHEREAS, the State Bureau of Criminal Identification an d
Investigation, now known as the Oklahoma State Bureau of
Investigation, was created on March 28, 1925. The Oklahoma
Legislature appropriated Seventy-eight Thousand Dollars ( $78,000.00)
to the State Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation in
its first year; and
WHEREAS, one year after its creation, the State Bureau of
Criminal Identification and Investigation was credited with reducing
the number of bank robberies in the state by seventy-five percent
(75%). Agents accomplished this impressiv e feat by developing leads
while using informants . The use of informants was an investigative
technique considered innovative by many experts across the nation.
These early years established the State Bureau of Criminal
Identification and Investigation as the premier investigative law ENR. H. R. NO. 1018 Page 2
enforcement agency in Oklahoma, a foundation that has stood the test
of time for a century ; and
WHEREAS, in 1939, the State Bureau of Criminal Identification
and Investigation became a division of the Department of Public
Safety and was renamed the State Crime Bureau. This arrangement
lasted until 1957, when it was placed un der the direct control of
the Office of the Governor and renamed the Oklahoma State Bureau of
Investigation (OSBI) ; and
WHEREAS, the OSBI remained unde r the direct control of the
Governor until 1976, when state leaders sought ways to reduce
political pressures due to the OSBI being tasked with numerous
political investigations. The Oklahoma Legislature created a seven-
member, independent commission to o versee the activities of the
OSBI; and
WHEREAS, a unique aspect of the OSBI is it s limited
jurisdiction. This keeps the OSBI from launching its own
investigations without a lawful request. With a few exceptions in
which the OSBI does have original juris diction, most investigations
are initiated at the request of another law enforcement agency or a
governmental entity. The OSBI has original jurisdiction in the
following areas: vehicle theft, oil field theft, threats against
public officials, violations of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act,
and violent crimes committed on the turnpikes of the state; and
WHEREAS, created in 1953, the Criminalistics Services Division
of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provides a multitude
of forensic science serv ices to law enforcement agencies operating
within Oklahoma. The Criminalistics Services Division provides
services out of two strategically located laboratories throughout
the state, with locations in Tahlequah and Edmond. In addition,
forensic evidence can be submitted at facilities in McAlester,
Lawton, and Woodward; and
WHEREAS, the Forensic Science Ce nter (FSC) in Edmond, a state -
of-the-art, eighty-thousand-square-foot facility, was completed in
May of 2008. The location of the FSC allows the OSBI to partner
with professors and students in the Forensic Science program at the
University of Central Oklahoma. This partnership creates
opportunities for continued training of our scientists by members of
academia, education of students by our forensic pro fessionals, and
internships for students ; and
ENR. H. R. NO. 1018 Page 3
WHEREAS, the OSBI is also the central repository for all
criminal records in Oklahoma and is responsible for collecting data
ranging from statewide crime statistics to information for criminal
history checks. From processing state and national criminal record
check requests, to producing statistical publications, to issuing
licenses under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, the OSBI helps
protect, inform, and support the public and law enforcement .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT for one hundred (100) years, the OSBI has been utilizing
creative and innovative investigative techniques and, with the
expertise of experienced agen ts, solved the most serious crimes in
Oklahoma.
THAT with respect to technology and scientific capabilities, the
OSBI leverages cutting -edge investigative techniques including , but
not limited to, digital and video forensics, Rapid DNA analysis,
drones, forensic genetic genealogy, advanced latent evidence methods
such as vacuum metal deposition and RECOVER, 3D crime scene
scanning, and the FastTRAX NIBIN investigative lead program for
ballistic comparisons, to carry on the tradition of proudly serving
the citizens of Oklahoma as the premier law enforcement
investigative agency of the state.
Adopted by the House of Representatives the 3rd day of April,
2025.
Presiding Officer of the House of
Representatives
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________
day of __________________, 20 _______, at ______ _ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________