Gov. Mary Fallin is directing the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to suspend the use of mobile scanners capable of seizing money loaded onto prepaid debit cards by alleged criminals.
Fallin announced her decision late Friday after the use of the cards raised concern among civil libertarians and a number of bipartisan groups and lawmakers. She says she wants to suspend use of the devices until a clear policy for using the new technology can be developed by the Department of Public Safety.
“The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has enjoyed the trust of Oklahoma motorists for decades,’’ Fallin said. “Taking time to develop policy for the use of these devices and to educate the public will help calm the fears of the motoring public.”
Law enforcement officials say the scanners are an important tool, but deployment of the devices comes at a time when civil asset forfeiture has come under criticism in Oklahoma.
