County commissioners approved $171,456 from the Community Safety Investment Fund for the deputies’ salaries and benefits and to help offset the cost of an additional patrol vehicle. State lawmakers announced the plan Tuesday, Oct. 20. Hiring is in its early stages, Commissioner Jacob McHughes said.

The announcement comes amid continued concern over a homeless encampment near Reed Avenue and Norman’s Food & Shelter. The property is state-owned. In August, 120 people living there were displaced during Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Operation SAFE, which targets encampments on state property. After the cleanup, 17 people were arrested when they returned, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Norman Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman has cautioned that clearing an encampment does not resolve the reasons people are there or what happens to them afterward. “We have simply moved it temporarily,” he said.

Officials say the new deputies will be a point of contact for people seeking help, working with nonprofits, churches, veteran services and tribal assistance. Sen. Lisa Standridge, a Norman Republican, said the approach is intended to connect people with resources while also protecting public safety.

McHughes said the deputies will help people experiencing homelessness find appropriate services while enforcing existing laws. He said the county approved the funding after hearing concerns from residents and expects Sheriff Chris Weaver to hire deputies trained for the assignment.