The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation are continuing efforts to remove homeless encampments from state property through Operation SAFE.

Operation SAFE or Swift Action for Families Everywhere was launched this month by Governor Kevin Stitt’s administration to relocate homeless encampments from along highways and beneath underpasses. The campaign offers individuals the option of going to a treatment or housing facility or being jailed for refusing to comply. O-H-P says the goal is to connect individuals with the support and resources they need while ensuring the safety of those who camp just yards from highway traffic or cross highways on foot. Troopers involved in enforcing the program are also tasked with cleaning up environmental hazards caused by such encampments such as pollution of public waterways, fires set close to structures and vegetation, and drug paraphernalia left behind.

Local organizations and some officials have expressed concerns about the program, with the Mental Health Association Oklahoma stating that clearing encampments does not address the root causes of homelessness and may cause additional stress on shelters that may already be close to capacity.