The Blanchard Police Department contains three other specialized units or taskings that are utilized on an everyday and an as needed basis. They are the School Resource Officer (SRO), the K-9 unit, and the newly forming Special Weapons and Tactics/Emergency Response Team (SWAT/ERT). These units give the department the necessary sources to aid in community relations, help prevent crime, and carry out high risk operations when needed.
The School Resource Officer, Officer Jon Owens, in close coordination with the Blanchard Public Schools, works with students at all grade levels to promote a drug, violence, and gang free educational environment. The SRO's developed from law enforcement's national D.A.R.E. program and has been shaped to fit Oklahoma's schools and youth by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). Officer Owens conducts classes and activities for the youth of Blanchard in which they become more active in their school and community and to strengthen their awareness about drugs and gangs. With this knowledge, the children are able to make better choices about how to avoid the peer pressure that lures them to these vices.
The K-9 Unit is comprised of Officer Steve Lanier and his K-9 partner, Officer Angel. The Unit operates under regular patrol duties and also works narcotics interdiction. Officer Angel is also utilized in the School Resource Program in order to familiarized the children and the public with the K-9 operations and duties.
The newest addition to the Blanchard Police Department is the ongoing development of a Special Weapons and Tactics/Emergency Response Team (SWAT/ERT) by Detective Dennis Furey and Chief Tom Linn-See Pictures. The team, which will be comprised of different officers from the department, will be utilized in high risk incidents and situations. Some such areas of use would be that of barricaded suspects, hostage situations, and high risk warrant service.
The Blanchard Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.