The opening lines of the TV show, Law and Order, explain it best. “In the Criminal Justice System the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups: The police who investigate the crimes and the District Attorneys who prosecute the offenders.”

Oklahoma's criminal justice system works this way. Local law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigating the crimes, and their investigative reports are sent to the District Attorney's Office for review. Prosecutors review these investigative reports and make charging decisions.

Prosecutors have an ethical obligation to independently review law enforcement reports and must file only cases that are supported by sufficient evidence.

I think a crime has been committed. What should I do?

If you believe a crime has been committed, report it to local law enforcement. For example, if a crime occurred in the City of Tulsa, the crime should be reported to the Tulsa Police Department. If a crime occurred in the County of Tulsa, the crime should be reported to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Department. Broken Arrow, Bixby, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Skiatook and Sperry all have their own police departments.

Tulsa County Law Enforcement Agencies

The District Attorney or his assistants represent the state of Oklahoma in all court proceedings relating to crimes in Tulsa County. Approximately 6,000 felony and 6,000 misdemeanor cases are filed each year.