By AP
Tulsa, OK – Lawsuit settlements spur Okla. jailhouse reforms
JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS,Associated Press
TULSA, Okla. (AP) After three counties shelled out more than $24 million to settle sexual abuse complaints brought by female inmates, professionals say a better job must be done at the county jail-level to stop the illicit activities.
Some law professionals say some of the scandals may have been stymied if counties would have better communicated with each other or were willing to bring in outside Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to assess the risk and assist with any problems.
Latimer, Custer and Delaware counties have paid settlements in the past several years because of sexual misconduct allegations.
Delaware County Eddie Wyant encourages other counties to talk to their sheriffs and urge openness and some type of checks and balance system that residents can see and easily understand.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.