Welcome To Osage County
Oklahoma’s Largest County
At the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, our mission is to provide a solid foundation on which the residents of Osage County can thrive. We are committed to building public trust and fostering safe, secure communities through professional, high-quality professional law enforcement.
Osage County holds a unique place in Oklahoma’s history and geography. As the state’s largest county by area, it was established in 1907 when Oklahoma gained statehood. The county’s name and heritage are deeply tied to the federally recognized Osage Nation, whose reservation boundaries are coextensive with the county itself. This land became the Osage Nation Reservation in the 19th century following the relocation of the Osage people from Kansas.
The county seat, Pawhuska, is one of the first three towns founded in the county and remains a hub of history and culture. As of the 2020 Census, Osage County had a population of 45,818 residents.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county spans an impressive 2,304 square miles (5,970 km²), with 2,246 square miles (5,820 km²) of land and 58 square miles (150 km²) of water, accounting for 2.5% of its total area. Much of the landscape is part of the Osage Plains, characterized by open prairie, while the eastern portion features the rolling Osage Hills—an extension of Kansas’ Flint Hills. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the renowned Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, located just north of Pawhuska, where remnants of the once-vast tallgrass ecosystem are carefully preserved.
WHAT’S HAPPENING LOCALLY
Distracted driving is ANY activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of safe driving. Staying focused on the road is key to driving safely.
Put the distractions away.
Don’t drive distracted. Eyes Forward.
#DistractedDriving #DriveSafe #PayAttention
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The Osage County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the numerous Deputies, Dispatchers, and Detention Officers who are working and away from their families today to safeguard the community. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
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To serve. To protect. To stand for Osage County. 💙
#serve #protect #OsageCountySheriff #osagecounty #lawenforcement
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Update on the Officer involved shooting from November 12th.OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING SUSPECT CHARGED IN OSAGE COUNTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NOVEMBER 25, 2025
PAWHUSKA, OK – On November 12, 2025, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate an officer-involved shooting.
At around 2:30 p.m., the Pawhuska Police Department responded to a call regarding a domestic assault and battery with a possible dangerous weapon at a residence in the 100 block of Saint Paul Avenue in Pawhuska. Osage County deputies also responded to the scene to assist.
When officers and deputies arrived on scene, it was determined that 44-year-old William Francis Copple had barricaded himself inside the home and made verbal threats toward law enforcement. It was also determined that Copple had an outstanding felony arrest warrant on multiple charges committed in Osage County.
After several hours of negotiation attempts with Copple, officers and deputies made entry into the home.
Once inside the residence, Copple fired his weapon towards officers, leading to an officer-involved shooting. Two Osage County deputies suffered from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital, where both are expected to make full recoveries.
Copple also suffered from a minor injury and was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Copple was arrested and booked into the Osage County Jail.
On November 25, 2025, Copple was charged by the Osage County District Court with two counts of Shooting with Intent to Kill and one count of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Copple’s bond regarding these charges is set at $1,000,000.
The OSBI appreciates the Osage County Sheriff’s Office and the Pawhuska Police Department for their continued assistance with this investigation.
#OSBI #OneTeamOneMission
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Making memories with loved ones should be easy as pie. 🥧 Stay safe on the road — buckle up on your way to and from Thanksgiving gatherings.
Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.
#BuckleUp #SeatBelt #SeatBeltSafety #DriveSafe #Thanksgiving
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