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Rising violent retail crime poses a real threat to Oklahoma communities

John George
| Guest columnist

In recent years, Oklahoma has faced a critical turning point in combating crime, public safety and the criminal justice system. The passage of State Question 780 in 2016, which reclassified certain drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, marked a significant shift in our state's approach to criminal justice.

While the intentions behind SQ 780 were laudable and aimed at reducing our nation-leading incarceration rates and providing a rehabilitative approach, the crime that threatens our communities today requires a reevaluation of the impact of some of its provisions.

According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, between the effective date of SQ 780 and 2021, crimes against persons and property increased by 171% and 164%, respectively. Since their peak in 2021, these crimes have only decreased by 13%.

When high school-aged children look for their first job, they often tend to work in restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and retail. These experiences should be safe and positive, not anxiety-inducing, let alone dangerous.

In a 2023 Motorola Solutions Retail Employee Safety Survey, nearly two-thirds (61%) of retail employees are at least somewhat concerned about their personal safety at work. In 2022, 81% of respondents said retail offenders had become more violent. In addition, in 2023 more than 67% of those surveyed said they would experience even more violence and aggression than in the previous year.

These are not just statistics; They pose a real threat to our communities.

That's why I proposed legislation to lower the threshold for classifying theft as a felony to $500. By adjusting the felony theft threshold, we can give law enforcement and the justice system the tools they need to address repeat offenders and those who exploit the current threshold to the detriment of our communities.

More: Oklahoma lawmakers are calling for tougher penalties for shoplifting and domestic violence

Despite what many progressive critics of this proposal have said, I have no disrespect for the will of the voters. On the contrary, this legislation arises from a duty to protect our communities and ensure that our laws effectively address the reality of crime and its impact on Oklahomans.

The increase in thefts and associated violence is not a matter of perception, but a tangible reality that requires legislative attention.

Oklahomans are proud to live in a state that believes in maintaining law and order. It's one of many reasons Oklahoma continues to rank among the top 10 states where people are moving as Americans continue to flee Democratic-led states that have adopted a soft stance on retail crime, such as California and New York.

Simply put: Oklahomans deserve better. We deserve to feel safe from violence at work. I hope that this sentence feels as absurd when you read it as it does when you write it. But that is the sad and unfortunate reality we are dealing with today.

Counterpoint: Lowering the criminal threshold for retail crime would end progress in reducing incarceration rates

Progressives say this is an attempt to undo progress on criminal justice reform or return to an era of mass incarceration. This couldn't be further from the truth. This is a targeted measure to combat increasing crime in our communities.

Continuing to refine and improve our laws to ensure they meet the needs of today is not an insult to voters; Rather, it is the essence of a functioning democracy. I invite my progressive colleagues in the Legislature to rethink our approach to criminal justice, not with the intent of discarding the progress we have made, but rather refining it and ensuring that it serves the best interests and well-being of our communities.

Republican John George represents District 36 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

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