The Enid Police Department (EPD) is at the forefront of law enforcement in Northwest Oklahoma, and as of December 2025, the agency is navigating a critical period of growth, budget expansion, and community engagement. The department, headquartered in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Complex, is currently focused on enhancing its operational capacity to meet the demands of a growing city, a commitment recently highlighted by the City Commissioners' review of the police budget.
The EPD’s mission remains centered on fostering a cooperative relationship with the citizens of Enid and surrounding communities. This focus on community policing is balanced with the necessity of maintaining a robust and modern police force capable of handling complex criminal challenges, from narcotics trafficking to high-stakes standoffs. The recent updates reflect a push to both modernize the force and deepen its ties with the Garfield County public.
The Leadership and Structure: Chief Bryan Skaggs and EPD Profile
The Enid Police Department is led by Chief of Police Bryan Skaggs. Chief Skaggs is a well-known figure in the Enid community, having previously served in roles such as Captain and Assistant Chief. His journey to leading the department is a unique story that began with a blind date, a vacation, and a job application, cementing his deep personal connection to the city.
Under Chief Skaggs’ direction, the department operates with a significant staffing complement. The EPD officially consists of approximately 100 sworn law enforcement officers and an additional 50 support professionals.
The department’s officer-to-resident ratio is notably robust for a city of Enid’s size, standing at 2.07 full-time officers per 1,000 residents. This figure is above the national average of 1.6 for comparable populations, indicating a strong commitment to public safety resource allocation.
Chief Bryan Skaggs Biography Profile:
- Current Position: Chief of Police, Enid Police Department (EPD)
- Previous Roles: Assistant Chief of Police, Captain
- Affiliation: City of Enid, Oklahoma
- Key Focus: Leading a progressive police agency in Northwest Oklahoma, community relationship building.
- Personal Note: His decision to live in Enid was influenced by a blind date, a vacation, and the job application process.
- Contact: Email bskaggs@enid.org
Specialized Units and High-Tech Law Enforcement Initiatives
To effectively combat crime in a modern municipal environment, the Enid Police Department relies on a comprehensive structure of specialized units and advanced training. These divisions allow the EPD to address everything from street-level crime to complex forensic investigations and emergency situations.
The department’s structure includes several key operational components:
The Investigations Unit and Narcotics Enforcement
The Investigations Unit is a critical component of the EPD, primarily responsible for following up on major crimes. A key focus within this unit is narcotics enforcement. The EPD has recently made significant arrests, including two individuals on complaints of fentanyl trafficking, underscoring the unit's active role in combating the drug crisis in Garfield County.
Elite Tactical and Support Teams
The EPD maintains several specialized tactical and support teams ready for immediate deployment. These units are essential for high-risk scenarios, such as the hours-long standoff and the response to a domestic disturbance near Integris Health where a security officer was fatally shot, both recent events in Enid.
- Special Response Unit (SRU): The department's tactical team, trained for high-risk situations like hostage rescues and barricaded subjects.
- K-9 Unit: Utilizes highly trained police service dogs for tracking, apprehension, and narcotics detection.
- Crime Scene Investigators (CSI): Dedicated personnel responsible for the meticulous collection and preservation of forensic evidence.
Community and Technology-Focused Divisions
The EPD’s presence extends directly into the community through specialized roles focused on prevention and education. The department's School Liaison Officers and Resource Officers work within the Enid Public Schools to build trust and address youth-related issues.
In terms of technology, the department is committed to modern policing tools. EPD officers are equipped with police body cameras, a technology previously discussed by Captain Skaggs (now Chief), ensuring transparency and accountability in their interactions with the public.
Furthermore, the department is investing in advanced forensic capabilities, with plans for Rapid DNA Operator Training scheduled for May 2026, which will significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of crime scene analysis.
The 2025 Focus: Recruitment, Budget, and Public Safety Operations
The year 2025 has been marked by several significant operational and administrative updates for the Enid Police Department, reflecting both challenges and proactive measures to enhance public safety.
Challenge of Officer Recruitment and Budget Expansion
Like many agencies nationwide, the Enid Police Department is currently struggling to attract new officers. This recruitment challenge puts pressure on the existing force and is a major administrative hurdle.
To address this and ensure the department remains fully operational, the City Commissioners have reviewed and approved a budget that supports growth. The May 2025 review confirmed the department's plans to outfit its new officers with vehicles, a necessary investment to maintain the operational readiness of the EPD’s patrol and vehicle fleet.
High-Visibility Public Safety Operations
The EPD is actively involved in targeted public safety campaigns. In December 2025, the department partnered with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol ENDUI team to conduct a saturation patrol in Garfield County. This collaborative effort focuses on reducing impaired driving and increasing road safety during high-traffic periods.
Beyond proactive patrols, EPD officers have been called upon to manage several high-tension incidents, demonstrating their readiness for complex scenarios. These recent responses include managing an hours-long standoff and releasing body camera footage following the arrest of a man involved in a vandalism rampage. These incidents highlight the daily dangers and the department’s commitment to transparency.
Building Community Trust Through the Citizens Police Academy
In line with its core mission of cooperation, the EPD actively runs the Citizens Police Academy. This program is designed to educate the public on the roles and responsibilities of police officers, developing a deeper understanding of law enforcement's function in the community. The academy serves as a vital bridge, fostering the cooperative relationship that Chief Skaggs emphasizes as central to the department's success.
The Enid Police Department continues to be a progressive agency, balancing the need for advanced technology and specialized units with a deep-seated commitment to community policing and transparency. The ongoing efforts in recruitment, budget allocation for new vehicle fleet, and participation in state-level operations like the ENDUI saturation patrols ensure that the EPD remains a dedicated and formidable force protecting the citizens of Enid, Oklahoma.
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