OKLAHOMA CITY – County officials across the state gave lawmakers an earful about the myriad of issues they face operating local jails.

Those issues include staff turnover, low pay, lack of mental health and medical care, lawsuits, violence, insurance and funding.

“We have a problem in the state of Oklahoma with county jails and something is going on,” said Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant. “This isn’t happening by random chance.”

Bullard requested the interim study to learn more about county jail insurance. The study was held Wednesday before the Senate Local and County Government Committee. Lawmakers use interim studies to help craft legislation.

“We have a problem in our county jails,” Bullard said. “We have got to get some of these addressed. Everybody has got their own little unique

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