Cleveland County Deputies Assigned to Patrol State Property Near Norman Homeless Encampment Amid Safety Concerns
Two Cleveland County deputies have been assigned to patrol state-owned property in Norman, Oklahoma, specifically near a homeless encampment located at Main Street and Reed Avenue. This deployment follows a visit by State Sen. Lisa Standridge to the encampment, where she emphasized the need for increased patrols due to safety concerns raised by nearby residents. The encampment, situated near Food and Shelter Inc., has re-emerged after being cleared multiple times. Residents have expressed fears about checking their mail and the safety of their children, as a school is located nearby. City and state leaders are currently debating long-term solutions for the growing encampment, with city officials actively seeking a resolution until a new shelter can be constructed. Camping on state property is illegal, and previous attempts to clear the encampment, including one in August as part of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Operation Safe initiative, resulted in arrests.
