Demand Justice for Whistleblowers at Oklahoma County Detention Center

Recent signers:
Shannon Swanson and 15 others have signed recently.

The Issue

We were wrongfully terminated from the Oklahoma County Detention Center after exposing corruption, unethical practices, and systematic failures under the leadership of CEO Brandi Garner, who less than 60 days after our unjust dismissal, abruptly resigned.

Instead of being protected for doing the right thing and addressing the serious issues we brought to light, we were silenced, retaliated against, punished, and even threatened. This kind of injustice not only harms those who speak the truth but has serious consequences for everyone involved in the system, especially our most vulnerable citizens. 

This isn’t just about us. Our wrongful terminations have greatly disrupted the workplace (numerous resignations and wrongful terminations) which will have a lasting, detrimental impact on both staff and detainees at the Oklahoma County Detention Center.

This retaliation against whistleblowers is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent for anyone who values truth and integrity in the workplace. We cannot sit by and watch employees being silenced while detainees continue to die. 

We were dedicated employees who spoke up because we cared about the safety, fairness, and integrity of the facility. By removing us, the leadership has sent a dangerous message that suppresses accountability and discourages others from addressing critical problems.

Without our reinstatement, the staff at the detention center will face increased workloads and lower morale, which will make it even harder to maintain order, safety, and humane conditions. For detainees, this means inadequate staffing, less oversight, and an increased risk of harm due to the lack of experienced and ethical employees who are willing to stand up for what’s right. This decision affects everyone at the facility and puts both workers and detainees in jeopardy.

We demand that the TRUSTEES OF THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY CRIMINAL JUSTICE AUTHORITY and the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:

1️⃣ Conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the corruption and unethical practices we exposed.

2️⃣ Immediately reinstate all wrongfully terminated employees once the investigation is complete.

3️⃣ Enact whistleblower protections to ensure no one else suffers retaliation for speaking up.

Retaliation like this not only harms individuals but also damages trust in public institutions. It’s impressive how Oklahoma County has managed to redefine transparency and trust to the point where neither seems to exist anymore. 
We are calling on OCCJA and the BOCC in Oklahoma County to take action now to restore justice and integrity.

Join us in demanding accountability and fairness. Please sign this petition today to make sure the truth and justice prevails! 

#justiceforocdcwhistleblowers

 

avatar of the starter
Melissa RitterPetition StarterI am a Law Enforcement Professional with a passion for fighting for the rights of the community. Known for my tenacity, I strive to end inequality. When not working on that, I enjoy reading a book or drawing.

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Recent signers:
Shannon Swanson and 15 others have signed recently.

The Issue

We were wrongfully terminated from the Oklahoma County Detention Center after exposing corruption, unethical practices, and systematic failures under the leadership of CEO Brandi Garner, who less than 60 days after our unjust dismissal, abruptly resigned.

Instead of being protected for doing the right thing and addressing the serious issues we brought to light, we were silenced, retaliated against, punished, and even threatened. This kind of injustice not only harms those who speak the truth but has serious consequences for everyone involved in the system, especially our most vulnerable citizens. 

This isn’t just about us. Our wrongful terminations have greatly disrupted the workplace (numerous resignations and wrongful terminations) which will have a lasting, detrimental impact on both staff and detainees at the Oklahoma County Detention Center.

This retaliation against whistleblowers is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent for anyone who values truth and integrity in the workplace. We cannot sit by and watch employees being silenced while detainees continue to die. 

We were dedicated employees who spoke up because we cared about the safety, fairness, and integrity of the facility. By removing us, the leadership has sent a dangerous message that suppresses accountability and discourages others from addressing critical problems.

Without our reinstatement, the staff at the detention center will face increased workloads and lower morale, which will make it even harder to maintain order, safety, and humane conditions. For detainees, this means inadequate staffing, less oversight, and an increased risk of harm due to the lack of experienced and ethical employees who are willing to stand up for what’s right. This decision affects everyone at the facility and puts both workers and detainees in jeopardy.

We demand that the TRUSTEES OF THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY CRIMINAL JUSTICE AUTHORITY and the BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:

1️⃣ Conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the corruption and unethical practices we exposed.

2️⃣ Immediately reinstate all wrongfully terminated employees once the investigation is complete.

3️⃣ Enact whistleblower protections to ensure no one else suffers retaliation for speaking up.

Retaliation like this not only harms individuals but also damages trust in public institutions. It’s impressive how Oklahoma County has managed to redefine transparency and trust to the point where neither seems to exist anymore. 
We are calling on OCCJA and the BOCC in Oklahoma County to take action now to restore justice and integrity.

Join us in demanding accountability and fairness. Please sign this petition today to make sure the truth and justice prevails! 

#justiceforocdcwhistleblowers

 

avatar of the starter
Melissa RitterPetition StarterI am a Law Enforcement Professional with a passion for fighting for the rights of the community. Known for my tenacity, I strive to end inequality. When not working on that, I enjoy reading a book or drawing.

The Decision Makers

Gentner Drummond
Oklahoma Attorney General
Kevin Stitt
Oklahoma Governor
Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice
3 Members
Noma Gurich
Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice - District 3 (Retain Gurich?)
Matthew Kane
Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice - District 1 (Retain Kane?)
James Edmondson
Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice - District 7 (Retain Edmondson?)
Oklahoma State Senate
2 Members
Darrell Weaver
Oklahoma State Senate - District 24
Lisa Standridge
Oklahoma State Senate - District 15
Oklahoma County Commission
2 Members
Brian Maughan
Oklahoma County Commission - District 2
Myles Davidson
Oklahoma County Commission - District 3

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates