Former DOC Employees Speak Out After Shooting Of Parole Officer In MWC

After a Midwest City parole officer was beaten, shot and killed Friday, former department of corrections employees are coming forward to talk about the dangers on the job.

Monday, May 21st 2012, 6:29 pm

By: News 9


After a Midwest City parole officer was beaten, shot and killed Friday, former department of corrections employees are coming forward to talk about the dangers on the job.

5/18/2012 Related Story: Police Identify Man Killed In MWC As Probation Officer

News 9 talked to a 23-year veteran of the department of corrections who isn't at all surprised parole officer Jeff McCoy was beaten and killed. Kim Hardcastle resigned because of safety concerns.

Police said Jeff McCoy's killer is 21-year-old Lester Kinchion, but Hardcastle says DOC needs to take some accountability as well.

"It is something we have all been worried about for years. That that would happen and one of the concerns for me is I believe Jeff was out there alone," Hardcastle said.

McCoy was making a mandatory visit to a Midwest City house in the 1400 block of Maple Drive when he was killed.

"It is certainly rare, but any time you are in the public safety arena and you are out dealing with people we deal with there is always an element of risk," said Jerry Massie, a DOC spokesperson.

Hardcastle pointed out most visits parole officers make are unannounced and many times they are unarmed.

"DOC is so concerned about offending someone and not sue them that they actually push their employees out there in a very dangerous situation," Hardcastle said.

Massie said parole officers are authorized to carry a firearm if they feel the need and get just as much training as a police officer.

DOC also points out that this has never happened before in Oklahoma corrections history and they are reviewing the incident and safety procedures internally.

A fund to assist the family and support the future of McCoy's seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter has been established. All donations should be sent to:

The Jeffery McCoy Memorial/Children's Scholarship Fund

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