CJAC annual report highlights improvements at the Oklahoma County Detention Center
In its most recent annual report, the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority detailed the positive changes implemented at the Oklahoma County Detention Center (ODOC) in Fiscal Year 21. Despite taking over during a global pandemic, civic unrest and, more recently, a labor shortage, Oklahoma County Detention Center (OCDC) staff undertook major repairs to long overdue deferred maintenance while also improving other living conditions for arrestees.
The story of the year was the global pandemic. The pandemic disrupted justice systems all over the country and Oklahoma County was no different. When the Trust Authority took over, Covid testing expanded significantly, revealing numerous new cases. Detention and correctional facilities were and continue to be one of the epicenters of Covid transmission both locally, statewide and nationally.
As the chart shows, Covid cases have declined sharply while vaccinations were given to over 3,600 detainees and staff throughout the year.
In addition to numerous infrastructure improvements to key systems like water, HVAC, sewer and new jail locks and doors, other improvements were implemented:
- Increased time detainees spent outside the cell by 20%
- Renovated more than 199 previously inoperable housing cells
- Lowered the price per telephone call for detainees
- Expanded support and recovery programs
- Instituted child welfare visits and visitations without a court order
- Drastically increased spending on pest control and sanitation securing a weekly contract for services
- Increased starting pay to $3,001/month in addition to retention bonuses
- Provided nearly 600 hours of staff training over a six month period and increased Academy training time for 2021 by 33%
- Reduced administrative special housing population by 58% to better integrate detainees into the general population.
As the Trust Authority enters its second year of operational and financial management, they released their FY22 goals to further advance their mission of providing protection through efficient and effective services and intervention leading to less victimization, and more personal growth and development. Goals for the Oklahoma County Detention Center in FY22 are:
- Eliminate Triple Celling
House only two detainees per cell, minimize unusable cells, reduce inmate assaults/deaths, reduce damage to cells. - Improve Safety and Security
Address assaults on staff and detainees, enhance proactive and preventative procedure to decrease use of force, and promote the wellbeing of staff and detainees. - Develop a more efficient intake, release and walk-through process
Refine booking and releasing process to maximize efficiency. - Increase Staffing Levels
Enhance recruitment and onboarding process. - Establish Employee Advisory Committee
Improve retention and job satisfaction. - Grow & Enhance Training Program
Enhance current training and add additional training opportunities. - Create Programs & Opportunities for the Detainees of OCDC
To give the detainee the opportunity to participate in life changing programs, such as recovery, educational and self-help/self-maintenance, leaving the OCDC a better person than when they arrived. - Excellent Stewardship of all funds entrusted to the OCCJA
Allocate available resources so that every department and OCDC employee has the tools to do his/her job successfully. - Establish Annual Review Mechanism for OCDC Policies through the Policy Coordinator
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