Oklahoma unveils statewide event-security guide and launches Protect Okay app

Oklahoma’s governor and state public safety officials unveiled a statewide resource guide for securing public events and highlighted new tools, including the Protect Okay app, as the state prepared for high-profile gatherings including the start of the NBA championship series.

The guide, created by the Secure Oklahoma Now Advisory Council under the leadership of Secretary Tricia Everest and Commissioner Tim Tipton, is available on the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security and Department of Public Safety websites and will be posted by partner municipal and county public safety agencies for local event planners to use. “Not on our watch,” the governor said, summarizing the initiative.

The guide combines prevention and response standards for events, officials said. Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton, who led development of the resource, said the product is a “living document” intended to be updated as threats and response technologies evolve. “Prevention is always our primary goal,” Tipton said; the guide also includes response procedures for mitigating harm if an incident occurs.

State resources flagged for local use include the Oklahoma Counterterrorism Intelligence Center, which officials said can conduct threat assessments; the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, which can consult on interagency communications and coordination; and a Department of Public Safety drone response team for monitoring potential drone threats. Tipton told reporters the state’s criminal intelligence analysts monitor submissions to the Protect Okay app “24/7.”

The governor said he issued an executive order directing statewide training of law enforcement on the latest active‑shooter tactics, and he described several existing programs the administration has emphasized, including a program in which state troopers spend dedicated time at local schools. The governor also said the administration launched “Operation Guardian” in late 2024 to address certain illegal activity and that he had tasked Tipton to coordinate with federal partners on detention and removal issues.

Officials presented awards to participating public safety leaders who helped develop the guide and named several local partners who served on the advisory council, including Rohit Ray (Oklahoma Homeland Security), Sheriff Tommy Johnson, Sheriff Michael Merritt, JD Younger (police chief), and Nate Tarver (police chief). Tipton said the guide and supporting tools are available to event planners in any jurisdiction.

Officials emphasized the guide’s aim to help mayors, police, fire and emergency personnel implement common best practices for parades, festivals, sporting events and other gatherings. Tipton said the council met repeatedly since the governor’s January request to assemble subject matter experts from city, county, state and federal levels and that the guide’s standards will be maintained and updated over time. There were no formal votes or ordinances associated with the presentation.