Oklahoma Lawmaker Plans Study to Reveal Conditions in State Prisons!

Oklahoma Lawmaker Plans Study to Reveal Conditions in State Prisons

Oklahoma Representative Justin Humphrey is on a mission to uncover the truth about the conditions inside the state’s prisons. Despite being the chair of the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee, Humphrey has struggled to get answers from the Department of Corrections (DOC) regarding what he claims are the worst staffing levels in the United States.

Humphrey believes that inadequate staffing is at the root of many of the major problems plaguing Oklahoma’s prisons, making them particularly dangerous for both inmates and staff. The lack of sufficient personnel not only affects the safety of the facilities but also hinders the ability to provide basic services such as food and healthcare.

“If the Chairman of the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee can’t get basic information on staffing levels or other issues inside the prisons, I doubt any of my fellow lawmakers are well-informed on those issues,” Humphrey said.

To address this issue, Humphrey has requested and received approval to conduct an interim legislative study. This study aims to present his concerns to fellow lawmakers and highlight the misinformation and unreported issues within the prison system.

“My goal is to put together something that shows all the misinformation we’re getting and to highlight many of the issues in the prison system that are not being reported,” Humphrey told KRMG. He emphasized that the DOC’s lack of cooperation has made it difficult to obtain accurate information about staffing levels.

Despite these challenges, Humphrey has managed to gather data from the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Labor Commission, which indicate that Oklahoma has the worst staffing levels in the nation. “Based on numbers from the federal DOJ – which they will get from the Department of Corrections – and the numbers from the Labor Commission, it shows we have the worst numbers in the United States,” he said.

See also  Discover the World's Tiniest Opossum: A Baby Joey Smaller Than a Grape!

Humphrey hopes to conduct the interim study in October. Through this study, he aims to bring transparency to the issues within Oklahoma’s prison system and push for necessary reforms to improve conditions for both inmates and staff.

Oklahoma Lawmaker Plans Study to Reveal Conditions in State Prisons

The representative’s efforts come at a crucial time as the state continues to grapple with the challenges of managing its prison population. The understaffing crisis not only jeopardizes the safety and well-being of inmates but also places a significant burden on the existing staff, who are often overworked and under-resourced.

By highlighting these issues, Humphrey hopes to garner the support of his fellow lawmakers and initiate meaningful changes within the Department of Corrections. His ultimate goal is to ensure that Oklahoma’s prisons are safe, secure, and adequately staffed to provide the necessary care and services to inmates.

The upcoming interim study will be an essential step in this process, providing a platform for lawmakers to discuss and address the critical issues affecting the state’s prison system. As Humphrey prepares for this study, he remains committed to uncovering the truth and advocating for the necessary reforms to improve conditions within Oklahoma’s prisons.

Also Read: 

Justin Humphrey is taking significant steps to expose the dire conditions and severe staffing shortages within Oklahoma’s prison system. Through an approved interim legislative study, he aims to present his findings to fellow lawmakers and push for transparency and necessary reforms. Humphrey’s efforts highlight the urgent need for improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff in Oklahoma’s prisons.

See also  Idaho National Guard Launches Free Child Care Program to Support Service Members’ Families!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *