OPEA

Over 40 employees from the Department of Corrections, supported by employees from the Department of Human Services and Department of Mental Health, took to the picket line Friday to educate the public on the dangerous conditions in Oklahoma corrections system caused by the furloughs and lack of staff.   The picket, hosted by the Oklahoma Public Employees Association (OPEA), was held in front of the Governor's Mansion.

OPEA, along with members from the Oklahoma Corrections Professionals, enjoyed tremendous support from the public as cars honked and citizens waved their support at the signs. Employees carried signs that said, “Support Public Safety” and “Stop the Furloughs” seeking to draw the public's attention to the pressing issue.

News stations from Oklahoma City including Fox 25 and KFOR Channel 4 shot footage during the picket and conducted interviews with employees. News Radio 1000, KTOK also supported the picket by interviewing staff.

“Every day that I’m furloughed, I am not in the community monitoring offenders,” said Probation and Parole officer, Carrie Croy, who supervises a specialized caseload of sex offenders in Oklahoma County. “If an offender is referred to my caseload today, it will be Monday before I have the opportunity to track him down and ensure the safety of the community.”

The Department of Corrections needs $9 million to end the furloughs.

State Representative and OPEA member, Randy Terrill joined workers on the picket line with his son Randall.

“What you are doing today is important,” said Terrill. “You are putting pressure on legislative leaders who have claimed to support public safety, but expressing the glaring fact that you are at risk every day due to the short staffing, and that by taking a day of pay per month, we are penalizing our public safety employees. It is simply unacceptable.”

OPEA is scheduling meetings with the new Subcommittee Chairs to discuss the future of appropriations for Corrections.

OPEA expressed its thanks to Director Justin Jones for allowing staff to wear uniforms and to the OCP for support of the effort as well.