Bricktown Safety

Bricktown’s vibrant atmosphere is built on a foundation of safety and collaboration. 

From bustling nightlife to family-friendly attractions, we’re dedicated to providing a secure environment where you can relax and enjoy everything our district has to offer. We work hand-in-hand with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD), local businesses, and property owners to create a secure and welcoming environment for everyone. Learn more about our comprehensive safety initiatives and how we’re ensuring a positive experience for all.

Partnering with OKCPD 

Bricktown’s commitment to safety is further strengthened through our partnership with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD). This partnership has resulted in several key initiatives:

BRICKTOWN SUBDIVISION OF OKCPD

Bricktown benefits from having a dedicated subdivision of the OKCPD located at 219 E Main St. The Bricktown Division houses specialized units such as the Bike Patrol Unit, the Ambassadors, and the Police Service Technicians, with officers trained in community policing and nightlife enforcement to prevent issues before they escalate.

OFF-DUTY PROGRAM

The association advocated for an off-duty program that brings additional OKCPD officers to Bricktown, enhancing security and community engagement throughout the district.

CPTED TRAINING

OKCPD has provided CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) analysis of several Bricktown properties, equipping them with the tools to create a safer district.

PEER CITY LEARNING

Bricktown officers and Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership staff participated in a peer city trip to the Deep Ellum entertainment district in Dallas. This experience provided valuable insights into urban safety practices that can be applied to Bricktown.

SAFETY TRAINING

OKCPD officers stationed in Bricktown conducted safety training for nightlife establishments in both Bricktown and Midtown to help maintain a safer environment. 

The OKCPD has also added additional security and continues to develop and implement additional security initiatives tailored to Bricktown’s unique needs. This partnership with OKCPD demonstrates Bricktown’s commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for all visitors and residents.

Safety Initiatives

Through proactive initiatives and ongoing advocacy efforts, Bricktown continues to prioritize safety so that everyone can enjoy everything Bricktown has to offer.

INCREASED LIGHTING & SIGNAGE

To enhance security and safety, Bricktown implemented several safety initiatives in 2022 and 2023 to create a more secure environment for all visitors, including new lighting installations throughout lower Bricktown, additional wayfinding signage for easier navigation, and upgrades to street and canal-level lighting. We continue to conduct regular audits to identify and address any low-light areas.

The City of Oklahoma City is in the process of installing lighting improvements to the lower canal and within Lower Bricktown. These lighting upgrades are expected to take place in early 2025.

PROPERTY OWNER PARTICIPATION

Property owners have also played a key role by upgrading lighting on buildings and participating in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) programs. For example, additional lights were installed on the Centennial Fountain Plaza at Reno Avenue and Mickey Mantle Drive.

UPDATED CURFEW FOR UNACCOMPANIED MINORS

In 2023, the Bricktown Association Board of Directors voted to support a change in the curfew for unaccompanied minors from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. This decision was made after consulting property owners, business operators, and OKCPD. The curfew change is aimed at: 

  • Enhancing safety for teens under 18 in the district. 
  • Deterring large groups of unsupervised juveniles, who are sometimes involved in vandalism or misconduct. 
  • Allowing OKCPD to address juvenile issues earlier in the evening before shifting their focus to nightclub safety.
BRICKTOWN SAFETY ADVOCACY

The Bricktown Association continues to ensure the district remains a safe destination through its advocacy efforts. The association has also advocated for several safety initiatives, such as: 

  • Enhanced communication with OG&E to resolve lighting issues quickly. 
  • Off-duty OKCPD patrols to increase security and community engagement. 

Increased Green Team presence throughout Bricktown in the evenings for hospitality and cleaning services, expanding beyond the Bricktown Canal.

FAQs

Bricktown employs a multi-faceted approach to safety, including:

  • A dedicated OKCPD subdivision with specialized units.
  • Increased off-duty police patrols, especially during peak hours.
  • Enhanced lighting throughout the district.
  • Clear wayfinding signage.
  • A 9:00 PM curfew for unaccompanied minors.
  • Ongoing safety training for Bricktown businesses and their staff.

Bricktown maintains strong communication and coordination with OKCPD and other emergency services. The dedicated OKCPD subdivision in Bricktown ensures rapid response times. Emergency contact information is readily available to businesses and the public.

 

Businesses are vital partners in Bricktown’s safety. They are encouraged to:

  • Implement best practices like adequate lighting and staff training.
  • Report suspicious activity promptly to OKCPD.
  • Communicate any safety concerns to the Bricktown Association or Downtown OKC Partnership.

Residents and visitors can contribute by:

  • Staying aware of their surroundings.
  • Reporting any suspicious activity immediately to OKCPD.
  • Following the “See Something, Say Something” principle.
  • Ensuring minors are accompanied by an adult, especially after the 9 p.m. curfew.
  • Bricktown’s commitment to safety extends to constantly evolving its strategies. This includes collaborating with OKCPD on new technologies and initiatives, proactively addressing emerging safety challenges, and maintaining open communication with businesses and the community to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Yes, OKCPD provides safety training for businesses, particularly those operating late at night, covering topics such as de-escalation, emergency procedures, and identifying suspicious activity.

During major events, Bricktown increases security measures, including:

  • Additional police presence.
  • Enhanced lighting and traffic control measures.
  • Clear communication of safety protocols to the public.