Downtown Tulsa promotes free safety escorts as earlier nightfall raises concerns

If you’re walking around downtown and want a safety escort — especially with sunsets getting closer to 5 p.m. — Downtown Tulsa Partnership is offering a free service.

As part of its Safety Ambassador program, anyone can request a safety escort to walk them to their car or destination. The service operates from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

DTP said it extended hours after partnering with Safe Move Tulsa, the city’s effort to house 1,300 people experiencing homelessness by the end of the year. 

Kristina Scott, president and CEO of DTP, said staffing and operating hours are determined by available funding and when downtown typically sees the most activity. The program is supported by property assessments collected through the Tulsa Stadium District and additional grant funding.

Branden Woods, the partnership’s operations manager, said the program employs seven security ambassadors who work staggered shifts. 

Woods said ambassadors do not carry firearms, tasers, pepper spray or other weapons but are equipped with body cameras. They can typically respond to requests within 10 minutes. However, calls made outside operating hours are not answered. 

To work as a safety escort, all seven had to complete basic unarmed security training through the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, known as CLEET.

The program, which launched in 2021, provided 304 safety escorts during its 2025-26 fiscal year, according to Scott. It’s available year round.  

Residents, workers and visitors can request a free safety escort by calling or texting 918-202-4093. Ambassadors also patrol downtown; help connect people to housing and other support services; and contact emergency responders when needed.

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