OKLAHOMA CITY (May 19, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond today issued an urgent consumer alert warning Oklahomans that threatening or using force against utility workers, public works employees or county assessors is a serious criminal offense. These workers have the legal right to access property to perform their duties, but recently Drummond was made aware of a concerning number of incidents where linemen were shot at while performing authorized work on utility lines in Oklahoma.
“Hardworking men and women who keep the lights on, keep the water running in our communities and assess property deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety,” Drummond said. “Oklahoma law strongly protects personal property rights, but those rights do not include firing a weapon at workers. Anyone who does so will face criminal prosecution.”
Here is what Oklahomans should know if a utility worker, public works employee or county assessor is on or near their property:
- Utility workers and county assessors are legally authorized to be on your property. Oklahoma state law allows utility employees, contractors and county assessors to access private property while performing their duties. This is not trespassing under Oklahoma law.
- Ask for identification. Employees and contract workers should carry a badge or credentials identifying their name and the company or utility they represent.
- Ask the worker to explain the purpose of their visit. A legitimate worker should be able to clearly explain what they are doing and why.
- If you are unsure, call the utility company directly. Use the number on your utility bill or the company’s official website, not a number provided by the worker, to verify that the visit is legitimate. You can also contact local law enforcement if you believe someone on your property is not who they claim to be.
- Do not use or threaten force against utility workers or county assessors. Any use of force, including threatening a worker with a firearm, or any threats of force may result in serious criminal charges. Shooting at a utility worker or assessor is not protected by Oklahoma’s self-defense or property defense laws.
- Threatening or harming a utility worker can get your service disconnected. Oklahoma regulations allow utility companies to disconnect service to anyone who obstructs access to premises, threatens a utility employee or their family, causes injury to a utility employee or damages utility property.
If you have concerns regarding utility worker access to your property, contact the Oklahoma Corporation Commission or your local municipal provider.
