If you live in Oklahoma, there’s chance that someone you know has been a victim of sex trafficking– making it the nation’s worst state for this type of crimi nal activity.
As the 2024 Miss Teen International Oklahoma, it has been my platform to inspire victims of do mestic sex trafficking and help those who speak out. I know that many victims don’t have a voice, and I want to help them by advocating for policies that can help them be seen, heard, and helped by our society.
License plate recognition cameras (LPRs) offer just such a solution for victims by helping to identify and apprehend violent suspects faster than ever before. By capturing license plate and vehicle details, LPRs help provide 24/7 security and crime deterrence.
The numbers show that this technology works – LPRs help law enforcement solve thousands of cases every year.
There are many ways that LPRs can help law enforcement protect victims of trafficking. For example, on Dec. 3, a man held his partner against her will with a knif e against her throat and threatened their one-year-old child. The victim was able to escape, but the suspect fled the scene with the child. LPRs helped Tulsa police locate and arrest the suspect.
Law enforcement strongly supports LPRs as a highly effective force multiplier to their work. Lawmakers should embrace them as a way to make Oklahomans feel safer – not worried that they will become the next victim of domestic violence.
Our city and state need effective solutions to combat domestic violence.
Lawmakers must prioritize what matters most – public safety. It’s time to ensure law enforcement has the best technology available to keep Oklahomans safe.
Myah Wilke is the 2024 Miss Teen International Oklahoma and an advocate to stop domestic violence.
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