Stephanie Bice Endorsed By State, Local FOP For CD5

State Senator Stephanie Bice has received endorsements from the Oklahoma State and Oklahoma City Police Fraternal Order of Police.

The OKC FOP made their announcement Tuesday, citing Bice’s support of law enforcement and constant contact with the lodges.

As the nation discusses police reform Bice argues that one solution is increasing law enforcement funding.

The state senator said she wants to use federal grants to give local departments new resources to improve transparency.

“I would also say that bodycams are something that have become a help in the field, not only for law enforcement, but for individuals that they may be assisting,” Bice said.

The Congressional candidate said she agrees there is room for improvement and conversations on race.

Bice said law enforcement agencies could do a better job of recruiting diverse staff to reflect their communities.

As she’s stated numerous times, Bice does not believe in eliminating qualified immunity, a controversial legal practice that helps shield law enforcement from liability.

The Democratic candidate, Congresswoman Kendra Horn, has challenged Bice on her support of the new state budget, which cut the Department of Public’ Safety’s funding by 8.7%.

In response, Bice said the DPS budget encompasses more than the trooper budget.

“I don’t see that at all as defunding the police. That’s a very different thing. Public safety in the state also includes things like the DA’s office, our supreme court justices and funding the courts. So, there’s a whole other thing that encompasses that,” Bice said.

News 9’s Storme Jones spoke with Congresswoman Horn about her law enforcement ideas.

Read: Congresswoman Kendra Horn On Law Enforcement Reform