Oklahoma § 21-747
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 21-747, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-747.
Holder of hostage - Telephone communications.
Oklahoma Statutes - Title 21. Crimes and Punishments
A. The supervising law enforcement official having jurisdiction
in the geographical area where any hostage is held or any suspect is
barricaded who has probable cause to believe that the holder of any
hostage or that any suspect is committing a crime shall have the
authority to order a telephone company to arrange to cut, reroute or
divert telephone lines in any emergency in which any hostage is
being held or any suspect is barricaded, for the purpose of
preventing telephone communication by the holder of any hostage or
any barricaded suspect with any person other than a peace officer or
a person authorized by the peace officer.
B. The serving telephone company within the geographical area
of a law enforcement unit shall designate appropriate telephone
company management employees to provide, or cause to be provided,
all required assistance to law enforcement officials to carry out
the purposes of this section.
C. Good faith reliance on an order by a supervising law
enforcement official pursuant to this section, shall constitute a
complete defense to any civil or criminal action brought against a
telephone company, its agents or employees, as a result of
compliance with said order.
D. During any hostage or barricaded suspect situation as
provided in subsection A of this section it shall be unlawful for
any person to publicly disseminate, unless with the consent or at
the request of the law enforcement agency of the supervising law
enforcement officer, any information received from any hostage
holder or barricaded suspect when a cellular telephone has been used
to establish contact with such hostage holder or barricaded suspect.
Every person convicted of a violation of this subsection shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed Five
Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00).
Added by Laws 1979, c. 80, § 1, emerg. eff. April 20, 1979. Amended
by Laws 1998, c. 9, § 1, eff. July 1, 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 21-747
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 21-747 cover?
Section 21-747 is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Oklahoma § 21-747?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 21-747" (Oklahoma). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Oklahoma law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Oklahoma official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney.
How does Oklahoma § 21-747 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Oklahoma can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Oklahoma.