OPEA

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 6, 2010) – The Oklahoma Public Employees Association today welcomed the addition of 10 state law enforcement agencies in opposing the release of state employee’s birth dates and other private information.

“OPEA welcomes the support of the state’s law enforcement community in refusing to release this information,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley.  “The release of this information would adversely impact public safety and our law enforcement agencies ability to perform their jobs.  These concerns could quickly translate into new crime victims as well as jeopardizing current and ongoing law enforcement operations.”

As the debate continues, it is an appropriate time to highlight law enforcement concerns with the release of this information in sincere hope the Legislature will remedy the problems and adequately protect public safety and the privacy of all state employees.

“Public safety is the first priority of any government,” Zearley said.  “People expect to be safe in their homes, at their schools, and on their streets. Not only does law enforcement and public safety protect individual liberty, but without it, other government efforts cannot succeed.  If we do not pass SB 1753, public safety will certainly be compromised.”