Supporting public safety

A trio of Oklahoma associations including the Sheriff’s Association, Chiefs of Police and the District Attorneys Association are teaming together to support public safety.

They are forming the Oklahoma Public Safety Coalition (OPSC) to support policy initiatives that further public safety in the state and actively oppose policies that would threaten public safety.

McClain County Sheriff Landy Offolter said he is in complete agreement with the coalition and the work it will perform.

“I support the OPSC and their efforts to promote public safety in the state,” Offolter said.

“Our sheriffs and their deputies put their lives on the line every day to help protect innocent Oklahomans. As president of the OSA, it has become apparent to me that we need to work together with like-minded partners who consistently engage at the Capitol to fight for safety in Oklahoma,” explained Logan County Sheriff Damon Devereaux.

“The fight for law and order begins at our state Capitol. Everyday, our policy makers consider legislation which impacts thousands of Oklahomans. Our coalition will educate lawmakers about the impact legislative proposals would have on the front lines of the fight against crime in Oklahoma,” said current President of OACP, Chief James Smith of the Lawton Police Department.

“The Coalition will help give voice to our fellow Oklahomans who have been victimized by crime. Our law enforcement partners are with victims on the worst day of their lives. We owe it to victims and survivors to fight for criminal justice policies which will protect the public and hold offenders accountable,” said Rogers, Craig, and Mayes County District Attorney Matt Ballard, who is currently serving as ODAA President.

The OPSC will serve as a resource to the public by identifying measures which promote public safety in the state of Oklahoma. The OPSC will develop a bill scoring system and make available to the public the Public Safety voting records of legislators.