Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, has introduced House Bill 1310 to rebrand the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) as the Oklahoma Department of Corruption. Humphrey, vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee, has raised concerns about the DOC's management.
According to the Oklahoma House of Representatives release, Humphrey has accused DOC director Steven Harpe of lacking experience and securing an unauthorized pay raise. He claims Harpe's salary increased from $185,000 to $275,000 without proper documentation, calling it embezzlement.
The lawmaker also claims that the DOC violated state laws by moving forward with the construction of a new headquarters without legislative approval or existing records. Humphrey stated, "Again, I was advised that records do not exist," in the same release.
Humphrey further alleges that DOC officers have been involved in raping inmates and that a department doctor who reported these incidents was dismissed. He claims the doctor’s firing may have violated state laws. Humphrey says a committee set up to investigate these matters was hindered by the absence of key department witnesses.
As per the Oklahoma House of Representatives release, with allegations of human rights violations, murders, and unclear circumstances around an inmate's death, Humphrey's bill HB 1310 aims to draw attention to these issues, highlighting concerns about "the Oklahoma swamp."
