OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday that it has found evidence of discrimination against individuals with behavioral health disabilities by Oklahoma City and its police department. The DOJ’s latest investigation, outlined in a 45-page report, revealed that the city has a tendency to unnecessarily confine adults with mental illness in institutions. Furthermore, the police department has been observed to frequently exacerbate crisis situations by deploying armed officers instead of mental health professionals.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division stated, “As a result, urgent mental health needs often go unaddressed and crisis situations are needlessly escalated, sometimes leading to avoidable use of force.”
Both Oklahoma City officials and Police Chief Ron Bacy have stated that they are currently reviewing the report released by the DOJ. The investigation was initiated in 2022 following a complaint received by the DOJ, although specific details regarding the complaint were not disclosed. The agency, when contacted for further comments, declined to provide additional information.
This investigation in Oklahoma City is one of a dozen similar probes launched by the DOJ since April 2021. Many of these investigations were triggered by high-profile incidents involving police use of force resulting in fatalities, such as the cases of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. In all completed investigations, a consistent pattern of illegal police practices was identified.
The DOJ’s findings report suggests that the agency intends to collaborate with city and state authorities to address the issues highlighted. However, it was emphasized that if a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the DOJ reserves the option to file a lawsuit to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In separate responses, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Governor Kevin Stitt acknowledged the necessity for enhancements to the state’s mental health system. Nonetheless, they expressed criticism towards the DOJ under President Joe Biden, characterizing the federal intervention as overreach.
“We will closely review the findings, but the DOJ report appears to be an attempt to bully Oklahoma into compliance with ever-changing and undefined targets,” remarked Drummond.
