State Rep. Jason Lowe (Dem., Oklahoma Metropolis) and different members of the Legislative Black Caucus are calling for a federal investigation of the Oklahoma County Jail.
The lawmakers made the decision throughout a information convention that adopted the deaths of 11 inmates on the jail previously 9 months.
State Rep. Lowe complained of “inhumane situations” on the jail and referred to as for an investigation by the Division of Justice.
“I’m asking for a federal takeover,” State Rep. Lowe stated. “Lives are at stake each single day on the Oklahoma County Jail.”
The jail has been beneath federal supervision since 2009, however the caucus is asking the federal authorities to take its oversight to the subsequent degree.
State Rep. Lowe stated a harmful and hostile local weather is current on the jail.
The justice division final inspected the jail in 2018.
State Rep. Lowe stated he despatched a letter to the division final week asking for help, however stated he had not acquired a reply.
A prison lawyer, the state consultant stated his work requires that he go to the jail steadily.
A dying on the jail occurred simply final week, making 11 inmate deaths since July. A number of weeks earlier than that an inmate was killed after he took a detention officer hostage.
“It’s clear that what has taken place on the jail is a civil rights violation that deserves the eye of our federal authorities,” State Rep. Lowe stated.
Tricia Everest, chairman of the Oklahoma County Jail Belief, invited legislators to tour the jail and voice their issues.
“We’ll at all times cooperate with any oversight,” she stated.
Through the information convention, State Rep. Ajay Pittman (Dem., Oklahoma Metropolis) referred to as for legislators to obtain information on the variety of jail deaths and “inhumane incidents” which have occurred within the facility previously 5 years.
The situations on the jail pose a risk to inmates, guards and guests, she stated.
“Whether or not you’re employed there otherwise you’re detained there till your court docket date, try to be secure,” the state legislator commented.
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