Sheriff Scott Owen

Sheriff Scott Owen took office as the 22nd Sheriff of Washington County in 2019. As a lifelong resident of Bartlesville, his goal is to operate a transparent agency and provide high-quality law enforcement to the citizens of Washington County.

Sheriff Owen brings 35 years of law enforcement experience to his role. At the City of Bartlesville Police Department, he held multiple roles, including:

Field Training Officer (1990 – 1995)
Sergeant in the Patrol Division (1995 – 1999)
Lieutenant in Patrol, Training, and Fleet Operations (1999 – 2007)
Captain in the Operations Division (2008 – 2010)

His responsibilities included supervising patrol operations, coordinating training, and managing the municipal fleet. He also served as a member and commander of both the Fatal/Serious Accident Investigations Unit and Special Operations Team. Additionally, he managed budget development and operations for both the police department and city fleet.

Certifications & Training

C.L.E.E.T. Advanced Peace Officer Certification
Certified C.L.E.E.T. Instructor
Advanced Accident Investigations
Special Operations Management

Goals as Sheriff

Increase patrol and investigation functions and enhance training within the Sheriff's Office and Detention Center.
Stay up-to-date with changes in law enforcement and detention policies, regularly reviewing and updating operational guidelines.
Modernize the Sheriff’s Office to adapt to evolving needs and work cooperatively with local, state, federal, and tribal agencies.

These goals help fulfill his promise to improve law enforcement services for Washington County residents. Sheriff Owen is dedicated to updating the facility and fleet while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars and maintaining open communication with the public.

Achievements in Office

Reorganized staff to increase patrol presence.
Expanded training programs for both the Sheriff's Office and Detention Center.
Developed a structured maintenance and replacement plan for aging equipment and infrastructure.
Implemented reviews and updates of operational procedures to enhance accountability.

These improvements provide Washington County residents with a greater sense of security and transparency in how their tax dollars are used. The Sheriff’s Office has also strengthened its relationship with the community, empowering its staff to serve with professionalism and integrity.

Personal Life

Sheriff Owen grew up and currently resides in Bartlesville with his wife, Cynthia. He is active in the praise and worship band at Liberty Chapel of Praise. Together, they have three children, eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and country-gospel music.