OSUPD chief elected to represent for OACP

the second floor of the Student Union.

up from patrol officer and being named chief of police in 2017. He previously served as the OACP parliamentarian but wanted to do more.

Oklahoma State University Police

Chief Leon Jones has been elected to a two-year term as the northeast representative for the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police, the largest law enforcement executive and administrative association in Oklahoma. The OACP general membership unanimously selected Jones during the recent annual conference.

Jones has been with the OSUPD for more than 28 years, working his way

“One of the reasons I originally got into law enforcement was to work toward positive change in the profession,” Jones said. “That goal hasn’t changed. The OACP and governing bodies like it are agents for change, and it’s important to keep all the laws, rules and procedures updated so we can continue to provide the services our state needs.”

Jones has been a proponent for community policing —meeting people where they are with a focus on building relationships— at OSU. Jones put in place the Core Campus Division in 2017, where officers are assigned to the heart of campus during the busiest times of day. It included a substation on

Under Jones’ leadership, the department also instituted the community liaisons program in 2020, which pairs officers with athletics teams and OSU’s Residential Life as well as campus community groups that represent underserved or marginalized populations.

Steve Whitlock, OACP executive director, said Jones’ selection confirms his commitment to the agency’s core mission, to “promote excellence in law enforcement through professional development, ethical standards, technical support, and communications.”

“Board service is a major force in fostering professional law enforcement in Oklahoma, and I would like to congratulate Chief Jones for his professionalism and dedication to Oklahoma law enforcement through his board service,” Whitlock said. “Chief Jones is a won- derful representation of law enforcement professionalism and integrity, and my staff and I look forward to working with Chief Jones as we address the challenges and capitalize on opportunities that impact law enforcement throughout Oklahoma.”

As a representative for OACP, Jones will meet with law enforcement in the northeast region, listen to their concerns and be a voice for the area he represents to legislators.

“I’m honored that my peers have chosen to support my desire to fill this position,” Jones said. “When done right, law enforcement is a noble profession. I wanted to be a driving force for positive change back when I started in 1994. It’s rewarding to me that my career has taken me to this position representing officers and departments.

‘Beehive’...

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“Beehive – the ‘60s Musical” will run from June 14 – 18 and 21 – 25.

Wednesday through Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows start at 2:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale June 12 at 11:00 a.m. and can be purchased by visiting our website at www.townandgown.org or by calling our box office at (405) 372-9122.

Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $14 for students and $14 for seniors for both Sunday performances. Watch for more updates, including behind-the-scenes photos and commentary, on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/townandgowntheatre.

For more information on this show and other fantastic events happening around the Stillwater community, check out our marketing partner, Visit Stillwater, at https://www.visitstillwater. org/ or on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/VisitStillwater. news.ed@ocolly.com