Commission names forensic artist as Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation interim director

Harvey Pratt, 69, regarded as one of the foremost forensic artists in America, will become interim director when Director A. DeWade Langley leaves on Monday.

"I love this agency. I love the employees," Pratt said. "I think that I can hold a balance and move things forward and try to resolve some issues that have come up recently."

Pratt referenced a series of articles in The Oklahoman raising some issues brought forth by a former OSBI investigator and families whose loved ones' deaths remain unsolved. Among the complaints were agents' casework and internal fighting among its employees.

"I want the people of Oklahoma to know we're going to look into those things," he said.

"The OSBI is a professional organization, and we've helped solve a lot of cases."

The seven-member OSBI Commission unanimously selected Pratt from several internal candidates. Commissioners have planned a nationwide search for a permanent director. Applications for that position will be taken until Oct. 1, and interviews with finalists will determine Langley's successor.