Leadership Notes: Jail Trust's important work should not go unnoticed

As the important work the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council and its members has decreased the number of people being held at Oklahoma County’s jail, the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority, or the “Jail Trust,” as it is more commonly known, has undertaken the really difficult task of bringing new management and reform to the operation of the facilities. They are making significant progress in what can only be described as the most difficult of situations. Even during an unprecedented pandemic, in addition to vaccinating 3,600 detainees and staff during the fiscal year, the Jail Trust has implemented a number of improvements at the facility.

Hot water systems have been replaced, resulting in alleviation of water pressure and availability problems. Ventilation and exhaust systems have been upgraded and overhauled, including the ability to bring in fresh air for the first time. Water management systems for each cell have been installed, numerous doors and locks have been replaced, and installation of a new garbage disposal system that can help alleviate plumbing problems has been completed.

Better food options for detainees have been added, as have more pest control and sanitation services as well as installation of new cleaning equipment. In addition, increased starting pay and staff training have been implemented for those that work in the jail. Future plans include eliminating “triple celling,” increasing staffing and efficiencies in intake and release processes, improving retention and job satisfaction for employees and providing more improvement programs for detainees to reduce their chances of ending up in the jail again.

As an inmate recently said, “I really truly feel like we’re being treated like humans now. Things are changing, and I hope you all keep up the good work.” While clearly more work remains to be done, the Trust should be lauded for the important improvements they’ve made to our detention facility and supported in their efforts to continue to implement CJAC’s recommendations to improve conditions at the jail and bring them to more humane levels. Our fellow citizens deserve nothing less.

This story originally appeared in the January 2022 edition of the VeloCity newsletter.