For Immediate Release: May 15, 2006


Senator Kenneth Corn

Corn Points Out Dangers of Cash-Strapped Public Safety Agencies

The Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary said he intends to fight for the critical needs of some of Oklahoma’s most important public safety agencies. He said creating a safer Oklahoma cannot happen without the necessary funding for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office.

“These agencies play a major role in putting dangerous criminals behind bars, ensuring that Oklahoma is a safe place to live, work and raise a family,” Corn said. “When they are pinching pennies to do their jobs, the safety of all Oklahomans is on the line.”

Jessica Brown, the Public Information Officer for the OSBI, explained the department has thousands of cases backlogged, which is leading to a logjam for public safety officials throughout the state.

“When we are backlogged at OSBI, that can mean criminals are roaming the streets because their cases can’t go to trial until we process evidence,” Brown said. “That leads to a major public safety danger for all Oklahoma families and that is simply shameful.”

Kevin Rowland, Chief Investigator at the Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office, said his office also has thousands of backlogged cases creating months of wait time for families that have lost loved ones.

“It is really sad when families have lost loved ones and they are seeking closure for that loss,” Rowland said. “When cases are backlogged in this office, families are waiting for months on end for death certificates. Many times that creates undue financial burdens on these families who are trying to settle the estates of their loved ones.”

Corn said he receives letters on a daily basis from families that are feeling the effects of the lack of funds at these two agencies.

“Certainly this situation frustrates me.” Corn said. “Republicans in the Legislature have dug their heels in the sand on tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest among us and in the mean time are jeopardizing the safety of all Oklahomans just so they have something to campaign on during this election year. What a shame.”

Corn said the budget passed by the Republican controlled House of Representatives offers no solutions to the problems facing these public safety agencies.

“It’s nothing more than a barebones budget that cripples the state’s ability to provide for the safety and well-being of its citizens,” Corn said. “I believe that we have no greater moral obligation as legislators than to ensure the safety of all Oklahoma families. I intend to fight to end to create a safer Oklahoma.”

For more information, contact:
Senator Corn's Office: (405) 521-5576