Archive for the ‘Public Safety’ Category

A measure to strengthen state laws aimed at stopping human traffickers has been unanimously approved by the State Senate. State Senator Clark Jolley is the author of Senate Bill 2258, which would increase penalties for stealing or destroying another person’s official identification papers or passport.

“Human trafficking is not a problem that just occurs in big cities far away—it has and is happening in Oklahoma. We’ve seen news stories from our state about teens forced into prostitution, kids that were born and raised in this country,” explained Jolley, R-Edmond. “But with 17,000 victims of human trafficking lured to the United States every year, we also know the odds are high that some of those women and children end up in Oklahoma as well.”

According to the U.S. State Department, human trafficking is now the third-largest world-wide criminal activity, behind drugs and arms dealing. Jolley said the international victims are brought to the United States seeking legitimate work and a better life for themselves and their families, only to find themselves forced into virtual slavery; often in the sex trade including prostitution and pornography.

“Their captors will hold or destroy their passports and other identification to prevent them from leaving. That’s one of the issue my legislation addresses,” Jolley said. “The bill would also better publicize an emergency hotline number so that victims can get the help they need to regain their freedom, and that will help all victims, whether they are from right here in our own state or from another country.”

SB 2258 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

A bill to help Sheriff’s dealing with tragedy more effectively won approval from the Oklahoma Senate today. Senate Bill 1997, the Marvin Williams and Robbie Chase Whitebird County Sheriff Assistance Act, is named for two Seminole County deputies who were tragically murdered in the line of duty. Their death was a blow to the Sheriff in that county, who was faced immediately with the moral responsibilities to the families of the fallen officers and also to his staff, who also were dealing with the loss of colleagues. In addition to those duties, the Sheriff was required to handle paperwork to find deputies from other counties to provide assistance as relief officers for those who had fallen. Should Senate Bill 1997 become law, the Sheriff will be allowed to rely on the services of the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association to handle the administrative scheduling of relief deputies immediately so the Sheriff is able to comfort those affected by tragedy. The bill passed 41-0.

With as many as 17,000 victims of human trafficking brought into the United States each year, those captives wind up in every state in the nation, including Oklahoma. That’s according to Sen. Clark Jolley who won approval by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday for a measure directed at human trafficking. A second measure, by Sen. Todd Lamb was approved by both chambers last session and is awaiting final consideration in the 2010 session.

“These victims are brought here with the promise of legitimate work and a better life, and then have their identification stolen and are basically held as slaves until they can pay exorbitant fees to their captors,” said Jolley, R-Edmond. “Their lives and those of their families are threatened if they don’t do what they’re told. Often the victims, including children, are forced into prostitution.”

Jolley said Senate Bill 2258 would increase penalties in Oklahoma related to the crime of human trafficking, such as stealing or destroying another person’s official identification. The bill would also get critical information to victims to help them make their way to safety.

“This is something that’s already being done in other states, including California. Notices are required to be posted in establishments such as massage parlors explaining who to contact in order to help victims safely escape their captors,” Jolley said.

Lamb, R-Edmond, said Senate Bill 956 contains language to better enable victims of human trafficking to bring civil actions against their captors. While the measure won initial approval in the 2009 session, Lamb said he is continuing to refine his legislation this session before bringing it to the floor for a final vote.

“According to the U.S. State Department, human trafficking is now the third-largest world-wide criminal activity, behind drugs and arms dealing,” Lamb said. “Through the years we’ve worked to strengthen laws aimed at international drug cartels that have made their way into Oklahoma. It’s just as important that our state works to ensure our laws are as effective as possible when it comes to criminals who profit from this heinous crime.”