Established in September 1997 as a part of the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office initiative to form regional institutes, the primary mission of this institute is to instill the community policing philosophy in law enforcement training and to generate interest among community leaders across the nation in an effort to make neighborhoods safer and reduce the fear of crime among citizens.
The Institute provides education and training workshops for law enforcement and citizens concerned with the prevention of crime and violence in their neighborhoods throughout the entire state of Oklahoma. As of September 2005, the Institute has trained nearly 32,000 persons by hosting over 1,000 classes since we began operations 8 years ago. In addition, nearly 150 communities are currently taking advantage of on-site technical assistance services and/or other Institute programs. It is estimated that over 3 and a half million people have been indirectly affected by ORCPI programs.
The Institute's responsiveness and flexibility have earned respect for the program, and professional rewards for the partners who lend their resources to its goals. Feedback from participants has been outstanding, and state leaders have expressed confidence that Oklahoma will become a national leader in community policing philosophy and training.
The ORCPI operates through a cooperative agreement between the U. S. Department of Justice COPS Office and its partners, The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police, University of Oklahoma College of Liberal Studies, Norman Police Department, and Educational Alternatives. The ORCPI is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 8 individuals. The current board members of ORCPI are:
Richard Coberg, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, College of Liberal Studies
James M. Cox, Executive Director of The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police
Carol Lee, Educational Alternatives
Phil Cotten, Chief, Norman Police Department
Steve Smith, Capt. (Ret), Director, Oklahoma Regional Community Policing Institute
Randy Carter, Business Community Rep
Ray Anderson, Chief, Commanche Nation Police Department
Martha Collar, Oklahoma Safe Kids Alliance