The Justice Department launched an investigation Nov. 17 to assess claims that adults with behavioral health problems in Oklahoma are discriminated against by the state and the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Attorneys from the Justice Department Civil Rights Division are leading the investigation into whether the state is following guidelines set by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title II is designed to help those with behavioral health problems access resources including housing and community treatment to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, according to a Nov. 17 news release from the Justice Department.
The investigators will survey community members and police officers and examine state and local data to determine whether guidelines are followed when responding to calls and when on the scene of incidents involving individuals with behavioral health issues, Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, said in the release.
More details on the investigation can be found here.