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Oklahoma law enforcement agencies are creating a double standard that puts citizens at risk while shielding police from accountability. Public records obtained across the state reveal police departments routinely fail to redact Social Security numbers, addresses, and other sensitive information from documents released to the public. Yet when journalists request legally mandated use of force reports, those same agencies suddenly become experts at denying access.
The Social Security Number Problem
Court documents and police reports obtained from multiple Oklahoma jurisdictions show a disturbing pattern. While some portions of records are properly redacted, Social Security numbers and driver's license information frequently appear unredacted on affidavits and booking documents. In one case reviewed, a person's complete Social Security number remained visible on a court affidavit despite other personal information being properly blacked out on the same document.
This inconsistent redaction creates a roadmap for identity theft. The same agencies that lecture citizens about protecting their personal information are handing out the exact data criminals need to steal identities and commit fraud.
Muskogee's Refusal to Follow State Law
When reporters arrived at the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office requesting inspection of the last 20 use of force reports during regular business hours, Undersheriff Martin refused the request. Despite Oklahoma's Open Records Act requiring agencies to allow public inspection during normal business hours, Martin claimed the department needed time to "put that in paperwork."
The Undersheriff's response escalated when reminded that refusing to provide public records during business hours constitutes a misdemeanor under state law. Rather than comply with the legal requirement, Martin dismissed the violation entirely, stating he had appointments that took priority over following Oklahoma statutes.
Security Guard Blocks Legal Records Access
At the Muskogee Police Department, the situation became more bizarre. A security guard initially refused entry to the building entirely, claiming visitors needed appointments for public records requests. When reminded that the Open Records Act guarantees access during regular business hours, the guard demanded cameras be turned off, falsely claiming recording required his consent.
The guard's behavior only changed after police officers arrived and explained that the journalists had legal rights to be present and record in the public building. However, the guard then attempted a new tactic, claiming profanity was illegal in public spaces.
The Constitutional Contradiction
The contrast couldn't be starker. The same government agencies that carelessly expose citizens' most sensitive personal information become fortresses of secrecy when asked about police use of force. Officers who swore oaths to uphold the law openly admit they haven't read the statutes they're required to enforce, then refuse to follow those laws when confronted with their violations.
This creates a system where your Social Security number might be handed to anyone who requests police reports, but finding out how often officers use force against citizens requires battles with officials who claim they're too busy to follow state law.
What Happened When the City Manager Got Involved
Watch the full investigation to see how Muskogee officials responded when supervisors learned their staff was violating state records laws and what other shocking revelations emerged during this accountability reporting.
