Maintaining public safety is government's first purpose. Government became necessary as soon as more than a few people lived in the same area and one broke the rules. Ancient city and state governments were created to protect their citizens from outside threats and from each other. In the United States, local governments began providing police and jails in the colonial era. Not long after, many added fire service. State public safety services grew as prison populations exceeded the capacity of town and county jails, as mobility increased, and as we desired more uniform systems of justice. Government remains the only institution that can ensure that families, neighborhoods and communities are protected from threats to their physical safety and well-being.

Oklahoma has made substantial progress in public safety. We have successfully invested in drug courts and better control of methamphetamine ingredients to control some drug crimes. Crime remains below regional levels. However, Oklahoma crime rates are higher than the national average in spite of very high rates of imprisonment. Our prisons are overcrowded, understaffed, and in physical disrepair. Oklahomans are much more likely to die in traffic accidents or fires than the average American.

4th--In 2009, Oklahoma ranked 4th in prisoners per 100,000 population at 657.  The national average was 502. Oklahoma's prison population grew 14 percent  from 2000 to 2009, compared to the  national average of 16 percent. Oklahoma's rate of imprisoning women, 135 per 100,000 population, was the highest in the nation and double the national average.

501--violent crimes per 100,000 population in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Oklahoma's rate is higher than the national average of 426, but below the regional average of 510. Four of the six surrounding states have lower violent crime rates than Oklahoma and three of these states have lower property crime rates.

5th--Oklahoma's rank in fire deaths among the states and District of Columbia, according to the US Fire Administration. The 2007 death rate of 24.9 per million people was well above the national average of 13.2.

1.54--highway deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2008. Oklahoma's rate was higher than the national average of 1.25 and ranked the state 11th in traffic deaths. Speeding and alcohol accounted for thirty percent each of Oklahoma traffic deaths.

• Public Safety Agencies and Services

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