Community Outreach

Community policing and outreach is focused on officers working in partnership with Norman residents to increase trust and problem-solve together. We are committed to working with our residents to proactively address the needs of our residents and the crime trends in our neighborhoods. 

Our Community Outreach Section leads the department's community-oriented policing efforts, as well as homeless and mental health outreach and resources.

Lieutenant Deny Oesterling and the unit's one sworn officer manage all community outreach. For more information on any of NPD's programs and outreach, please call 405-321-1600.

Community Outreach Programs

Citizens Police Academy

The Norman Police Department has found that education has been most effective in gaining understanding and support from the community.

The Citizens Police Academy offers citizens insight into how police officers perform their duties and how the department serves the community.  The success of any police agency depends largely upon the cooperation and support it receives from the citizens it serves.

The Citizens Police Academy consists of one, three-hour class held each week for 11 weeks. The weekly instruction is comprehensive and covers a different area of the Norman Police Department each week. Certified police officers, supervisors, and civilian instructors with particular expertise will conduct all classes.

Any interested citizen that is 18 years of age or older and who resides or works in Norman is encouraged to attend. Citizens involved with the community in some way, such as youth involvement, neighborhood watch, and civic groups are very important to the academy.

Call 405-366-5279 or send an email to npdcpa@normanok.gov for more information on the Citizens Police Academy. 

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

The Norman Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is designed to create partnerships with apartment communities, while having the common goal of reducing overall criminal activity.

The certification process consists of three phases.

  • Phase I is an eight-hour management training course taught by police which focuses on key crime prevention tactics and theories.
  • Phase II is a security survey done by police using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. This includes onsite inspections of doors, windows, locks, landscaping, and exterior complex lighting to ensure all meet national standards.
  • Phase III is a crime prevention social organized by management and taught by both management and police. This phase truly engages the residents who call the complex home.

Upon completion of each phase, a certificate is awarded and displayed in a common area of the management office. After completion of all three phases the community will be fully certified. Full certification permits the right to post the Norman Crime Free Multi-Housing Program sign and advertise membership in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program in the print media using the official logo. The full certification certificate expires every year, but the apartment community will retain certification if they hold a crime prevention social once per year.

The properties currently active in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program are:

  • Cottonwood Ridge
  • Vicksburg Village

Call 405-366-5267 or send an email to Jeffrey.Casillas@NormanOK.gov for more information on the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. 

Handle with the Care Program

An outreach program in partnership with Norman Public Schools that bridges police to school administrators so they can work together on interacting and assisting with students who have or recently experienced trauma. 

National Night Out

National Night Out is a an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. 

Check our Calendar of Events for this year's event date, times and locations. 

 

Norman Neighborhood Watch

The Norman Police Department is proud to work with neighborhoods across the city through their Neighborhood Watch Programs. Neighborhood Watch Programs are a proven and effective means to substantially reduce all crimes. In fact, a good neighbor is one of the most effective crime tools ever invented. Together, NPD and Neighborhood Watches are working together to educate residents about crime prevention, while working to help reduce crime in their neighborhood.

The primary objective of Neighborhood Watch is to reduce the occurrence of crime in a neighborhood by: teaching citizens how to secure their homes and vehicles which in turn leads to a reduction in their chances of being a victim of a crime. Together, we encourage neighbors to become more familiar with each other and work in a program of mutual assistance to train citizens in the recognition and reporting of suspicious activity which leads to open communication between the neighborhoods and the Norman Police Department. Always remember, if you see something, say something. 

Call 405-366-5267 or send an email to Jeffrey.Casillas@NormanOK.gov for more information or to establish a Neighborhood Watch in your area. 

Another way to assist with crime prevention and solving crimes in your neighborhood is by registering your camera system with the Norman Police Department. Learn more about NPD's Neighborhood Watch SafeCam Program

Special Needs Alert and Identification Program (S.A.Id.)

The S.A.Id (Special Needs Alerts and Identification) Program is providing local First Responders with the resources to identify and assist individuals with special needs who find themselves in an emergency situation. Let it be S.A.Id that we care. Let it be S.A.Id so that we can be there when you cannot.

This program allows parents, guardian or caregiver the opportunity to complete a simple information form that gives the Norman Police Department permission to create a specialized alert in our communication database. The S.A.Id alert defines the individual’s condition and/or needs to First Responders prior to them arriving to an incident to improve their response, interaction, and communication with the individual. 

Call 405-321-1600 or email said@normanok.gov for more information. 

S.A.Id. Program Brochure

NPD Community Safety Day

A bi-annual event with Absolute Data Shredding that offers free document shredding, prescription drug take back and disposal, as well as release of unwanted ammunition.

Held in both the fall and spring, the event provides a safe opportunity for residents to dispose of documents, expired or unneeded prescription drugs, and unwanted ammunition. 

The event also includes Car Seat safety checks and installation by certified officers and representatives of Safe Kids Oklahoma and is a distribution site for free gun lock safety kits. 

Check our Calendar of Events for upcoming event dates, times and locations. 

Unidos

Unidos is a Hispanic community outreach program designed to provide assistance to Spanish speaking residents in the Norman area. UNIDOS es un programa de asistencia a los Hispanos residentes en el area de Norman.  

Call 405-366-5267 to speak with a Spanish-speaking officer for additional resources or upcoming community outreach opportunities. 

Project ChildSafe - Free Gun Lock Safety Kits

NPD is a partner agency with Project ChildSafe assisting with local distribution of free firearm safety education and gun locks. 

Project ChildSafe aims to raise awareness about safe and responsible ownership of firearms and the importance of storing firearms securely when not in use to help prevent accidents, theft and misuse. 

FREE Gun Lock Safety Kits are available for pick-up at the front window of the

Norman Police Department, 112 W. Daws Street, during regular business hours. 

Youth Focused Programs

Junior Police Academy (JPA)

The Norman Police Junior Police Academy (JPA) is accepting applications from students aged 12 to 15 years old. The purpose of JPA is to educate youth on police practices, policies, and procedures. The program's goal is to provide young people with knowledge and experiences related to law enforcement careers. Additionally, these young citizens will be empowered to act as a positive influence in our community through the servant leader mindset. The week-long experience blends classroom learning with hands-on activities to expose participants to various topics, including patrol tactics, criminal investigations, traffic safety, demonstrations, self-defense, firearms safety, internet dangers, and community partnerships. 

JPA meets Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Students will be expected to be on time each day and should be picked up no later than 12:15 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Students are encouraged to bring snacks. 

There are a limited number of openings. To be considered, all forms must be complete and include one recommendation, signed releases and waivers, and a short answer to the question. Priority is given to applicants residing within the City of Norman.

 The Junior Police Academy will be held June 10-21, 2024. Applications are now open.

Apply Today - 2024 Junior Police Academy Application

The deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.

Coaching, Advocating and Mentoring with Police (CAMP)

Proactive outreach to assist juveniles and their parents/guardians when at-risk or delinquent behavior begins. The voluntary two-prong program consists of counseling and mentoring.  

For more information on Coaching, Advocating and Mentoring with Police (CAMP), call Lt. Ali Jaffery at 405-321-1600. 

Police Activities League

The purpose of the Police Activities League (PAL) is to foster relationships that will bridge the gaps between law enforcement and youth in the community, while also exposing the students to the possibility of a future career serving their community. The goal of the program is to motivate young people to be outstanding citizens and to empower them to act as a positive influence in the community.

The Norman Police Department's PAL Summer Camp is held annually in July. Participants will attend camp Monday through Friday of each week from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp is for students entering the 6th, 7th and 8th grade. There is no cost to attend. Breakfast and lunch are provided. 

The two-week camp combines classroom learning with hands-on activities. Participants will be exposed to a variety of topics including community service, fitness, patrol tactics, criminal investigations, traffic safety, firearms safety, internet and social media safety, and weekly character values. The program is presented each summer. Students will participate in field trips and service projects. 

There are a limited number of openings. To be considered, all forms must be completed including one recommendation, signed releases and waivers, and a short answer to the question. Priority is given to applicants residing within the City of Norman. 

For more information about the Police Activities League, call 405-366-5279 or email ali.jaffery@normanok.gov

 

2024 PAL Summer Camp will be held July 8-19, 2024. Applications are now open. 

Apply Today - 2024 Police Activities & Athletics League Application

The deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.

Safety Town

Safety Town Graphic

Safety Town is a unique educational experience for children ages 5 and 6. Held each year during the month of June, Safety Town educates participants on bicycle, street and personal safety. The course also discusses stranger safety, use of 911, and fire safety. Each week-long session is free and consists of five 50-minute classes. Upon completion of the program, each child receives a graduation certificate and the helmet that they wore during safety training.

Safety Town is a partnership between Sooner Mall and the Norman Police Department. The educational experience would not be possible without the following sponsors: City of Norman, Citizens Police Academy, Cops 4 Kids and Community, Norman Professional Fire Fighters, Fellowship of Police Officers Lodge #122, Sooner Rotary District 5770, Image 360, Beanstalk Coffee & Sno, Lifted Logix, Dental Depot, Affordable Construction, The McKinney Partnership, Landers Auto Group, Cavins Group, and NMT Roofing and Construction.

Safety Town 2024 sessions will be held weekly in the month of June. Registration will open May 1, 2024 on the Sooner Mall website.

Car Seat Installations & Checks

In partnership with Safe Kids Oklahoma, NPD can provide and install free car seats for indigent families upon request. 

To schedule a car seat installation or seat check, call 405-321-1600. 

Back to School Roundup

One of our annual child safety education program providing families with fingerprint cards and updated photo. 

Check our Calendar of Events for upcoming event dates, times and locations. 

 

TEAM - Teaching, Educating And Mentoring Program

Teaching, Educating And Mentoring Program (TEAM) is regularly taught to Kindergarten through 12th Grade students in Norman Public Schools.

The age-appropriate lessons range from personal safety to understanding laws and taking action. 

For more information on TEAM, call 405-321-1600.

Norman Public Safety Cadet Program

The Norman Public Safety Cadet Program provides an educational training program for young adults on the purpose, mission, and objectives of law enforcement. The program provides career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. The primary goal of the program is to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge youth to be responsible citizens of the their community and the nation. 

The Norman Public Safety Cadet Program recruits young men and women throughout the year to join the post. Any individual who meets our requirements and is in between 16 and 21 years of age is encouraged to apply. 

Questions regarding the Norman Public Safety Cadet Program or application process can be directed to the Program Advisor by phone at 405-321-1600 or by email at psc@normanok.gov

Senior Focused Programs

CareTrak

Care Trak is a program of the Norman Police Department in partnership with Sunbeam Family Services to help families who care for loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, autism, Down syndrome, or other cognitive impairments. Care Trak is a bracelet designed to be an additional resource to locate at-risk individuals who have wandered off or gone missing. Care Trak has been used nationally since 1986, and with it thousands of missing persons have been located.

The bracelet looks similar to a watch and can be worn on a wrist or ankle. The bracelets are waterproof and include a thick band which can only be removed by a caregiver. In the event that your loved one goes missing, the bracelet will emit a radio frequency that can be picked up by the Norman Police Department's radio receiver, which helps officers find the missing person.

Who is eligible for a Care Trak Bracelet?

Residents of Norman who have a physician diagnosed and documented cognitive impairment. Individuals must have a caregiver, no longer drive and are at-risk of wandering by foot. 

How much does a Care Trak Bracelet cost?

The fee for the bracelet is based on a person's ability to pay. Sunbeam Family Services offers the Care Trak Bracelets on a sliding scale based on income. Scholarship applications and payment plans are available. There are no membership fees associated with Care Trak. For more information, contact seniorservices@sunbeamfamilyservices.org or call 405-609-2953. 

How can I donate to help others get a Care Trak bracelet?

Tax-deductible donations can be made to Sunbeam Family Services to help low-income families utilize the Care Trak program. Donate online at Sunbeam Family Services, by phone at 405-528-7721, or by mail. Please note on any donations that they are for the Norman Police Department Care Trak Program. 

Donations may be mailed to:

Sunbeam Family Services

Attn: Norman Police Department Care Trak 

1100 NW 14th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73106

CarFit

A two-day training designed to help older drivers find out how well they currently fit their personal vehicle, to highlight actions they can take to improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. 

To schedule a CarFit training, call 405-307-7128.

Educational Presentations & Outreach

The Norman Police Department offers the following educational presentation and outreach opportunities. 

To schedule an educational presentation or outreach opportunity, call 405-321-1600. 

Business Partnerships

The Norman Police Department actively works with and partnership with Norman's business community on crime prevention, education and various outreach projects. Community Outreach Officers play an active role in the following organizations:

  • Downtowner's Association
  • Campus Corner Merchants
  • Leadership Norman and Tomorrow's Leaders
  • Norman Business Association 

Inclusive Partnerships

The Norman Police Department is proud to maintain active partnerships with 

  • Norman Human Rights Commission
  • PFLAG
  • Cleveland County Treatment Court
  • Cleveland County Anna McBride Wellness Court
  • Various other community non-profit organizations 

Annual Philanthropic Partnerships

The Norman Police Department is actively involved in various philanthropic events and causes annually including

  • Annual Norman Chili Supper benefiting the Christmas Store of Cleveland County
  • NPD Christmas Committee which provides holiday meals and gifts to approximately 250 children and 50 families each holiday season. 
  • Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringing
  • Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop Program
  • United Way Cookout

Volunteer

Volunteers are an integral part of the Norman Police Department and Norman Animal Welfare assisting staff with everything from administrative tasks to community outreach.

Volunteer with NPD or Norman Animal Welfare.