The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) was initially established in 1925 as the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. The need for a state wide law enforcement agency was determined by the state legislature to investigate some of the worst crimes within the state of Oklahoma.

In 1957, the legislature separated and renamed this investigative branch of the Department of Public safety to its current title- the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. As in its infancy, the governor had direct control over the OSBI.

In 1976, lawmakers made another change and placed the OSBI under a seven member commission- the current set up of today. The governor appoints commission members every seven years. This independence from state government allows the OSBI to investigate crimes without political pressures.

Any law enforcement agency within the state, including police departments, sheriffs, and district attorneys can call upon the bureau to investigate a crime, process evidence, or provide investigative assistance. By design, through state statute, this is a necessary request for the OSBI to be called in by local law enforcement before OSBI investigators can provide any assistance on most crimes.

The OSBI crime scene agents use some of the most advanced tools to investigate and document the scene. Coupled with the most current laboratory techniques, OSBI Criminalists utilize today’s knowledge of forensic science-based methods of evidence examination to support the field investigators. OSBI experienced field agents have developed the skills of witness and suspect interview. This team effort allows the OSBI to be well suited to investigate major crimes in the state of Oklahoma.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) Family Assistance Coordinators are available to assist families of victims in both division offices. They can assist families as to the status of the medical examiner’s investigation and the role the OCME office plays in the death investigation of their loved one. The coordinators can guide the family with the processes described above and are there to ease families struggling with difficult decisions while dealing with the loss of their loved one.

After the suspect has been arrested go to the following website to obtain ongoing court dates for the case. The OKLAHOMA STATE COURT NETWORK website allows you to complete a search for court related event dates.

Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Act (OCVC)

Title 21, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 142 (Nov.1, 2008)

What is Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation? Legislation that provides a method of compensation and assistance to persons who are victims of criminal acts and who suffer physical or psychological injury or death as a result. Funds are not tax dollars but penalty assessments from those that commit crimes and plead guilty or are found guilty in court.