The US Department of Justice announced Thursday that it would launch an investigation into the state, Oklahoma City and the city’s police department. The DOJ said it will look into whether officials and law enforcement have discriminated against people in mental health crisis. The DOJ said it could take about a year to review the different entities that cater to Oklahomans in need of behavioral health care. The investigation will examine whether the state of Oklahoma has improperly institutionalized people, the city is discriminating based on how it responds to 911 calls and whether police are properly following the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. | MORE | DOJ announces investigation into Oklahoma and OCPD’s response to mental health crises “From time to time, advocacy groups will send letters asking the DOJ to investigate,” said Jennifer Laurin, professor of law at the University of Texas. Oklahoma City police said they don’t have many details about the investigation, but the OKCPD’s statement says they intend to cooperate and look forward to providing safe and sound answers. effective in these calls. | MORE | OKC Police Statement After DOJ Investigation Announced The DOJ said similar investigations were underway in Louisville, Phoenix and Minneapolis. A report on a similar investigation at a Massachusetts police department outlines the methods used by the department and possible remedies to resolve the issues. Laurin said a lot of work is being done before investigations like this are announced. DOJ officials said they would meet with city leaders and the public during the investigation. They also plan to review any data procedures currently in place to see if there are any breaches — or potential breaches — of Americans with Disabilities. Law. Laurin said the investigation is part of a renewed effort by the Biden administration to investigate civil rights abuses by law. “During the Trump administration, the work of the DOJ — particularly as it relates to policing — was deliberately undone,” Laurin said. a report that puts mental health at the top of the list when it comes to police reforms. She said a staff member was hired because of the report and focused on making changes to the city. face – telling us we need to do something different – and we just didn’t act on it,” Hamon said. “I think that’s where we really fall short. and she hopes the survey will spark change.
The US Department of Justice announced Thursday that it would launch an investigation into the state, Oklahoma City and the city’s police department.
The DOJ said it will look into whether officials and law enforcement have discriminated against people in mental health crisis.
The DOJ said it could take about a year to review the different entities that cater to Oklahomans in need of behavioral health care.
The investigation will examine whether the state of Oklahoma has improperly institutionalized people, the city is discriminating based on how it responds to 911 calls and whether police are properly following the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.
| MORE | DOJ Announces Investigation into Oklahoma and OCPD’s Response to Mental Health Crises
The original complaint came from Oklahoma Protection and Advocacy, an organization that works to expand and protect the rights of people with disabilities.
“From time to time, advocacy groups will send letters asking the DOJ to investigate,” said University of Texas law professor Jennifer Laurin.
Oklahoma City police said they don’t have many details about the investigation, but the OKCPD’s statement says they intend to cooperate and look forward to providing safe and sound answers. effective in these calls.
| MORE | OKC Police Release Statement After DOJ Investigation Announced
The DOJ said similar investigations were underway in Louisville, Phoenix and Minneapolis.
A report on a similar investigation at a Massachusetts police department outlines the methods used by the department and possible remedies to resolve the issues.
Laurin said a lot of work is being done before investigations like this are announced.
DOJ officials said they would meet with city leaders and the public during the investigation.
They also plan to review all data procedures currently in place to see if there are any violations – or potential violations – of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Laurin said the investigation is part of a renewed effort by the Biden administration to investigate civil rights abuses by law.
“During the Trump administration, the work of the DOJ — particularly as it relates to policing — was deliberately undone,” Laurin said. “Close to being closed.”
Oklahoma City Council member Jobeth Hamon said the city has a report that puts mental health at the top of the list when it comes to police reforms.
She said a staff member was hired because of the report and focused on bringing change to the city.
“When we have information staring us in the face – telling us we need to do something different – and we just haven’t acted on it,” Hamon said. “I think that’s where we really fall short.”
Hamon said more needs to be done and she hopes the investigation will spur change.
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