Underpinnings of jail population averages show stability of recent trends

According to the most recent report from the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council, the efforts undertaken to reduce the population of the Oklahoma County Jail continue to yield results. The downward trend for jail population, which the CJAC has been tracking since 2018, continues to show stability in FY21 when Department of Corrections (DOC) detainee counts are taken into consideration.

For FY 2020-21, the average detainee population was 1,713. Although that number is higher than recent trends, the average DOC count was 218. If one were to use the general pre-covid average for DOC of 100, the FY21 population average would be around 1,600-1,625 thus confirming the recent trend.

At the end of October 2019, after tracking the average daily population for one year, the CJAC reported a one-year average of 1,663. That low level for jail population had not been seen in two decades. Then in FY20 after being able to track data for the full fiscal year, the average daily jail population was 1,632. However, going back just a few years to the end of FY 2017, the one-day jail population for June 30, 2017 was 2,237. Going back even further to the end of FY 2004, the one-day jail population for June 30, 2004 was an alarming 2,617. Although the FY20 average was impacted by jail population fluctuations due to Covid, the number was consistent with the downward trend that started in 2017 when Vera Institute recommendations started to be implemented.

The continued downward trend is a testament to the work of CJAC’s numerous partners working on the frontline to divert individuals from jail that can be better served in programs that include accountability and treatment. Numerous CJAC stakeholders believe even more can be done to safely reduce the jail population and increase the fairness and effectiveness of the county justice system, which is the major task for the CJAC moving into Fiscal Year 2022.

Report of jail facility coming next month

The current Oklahoma County Detention Center opened in November 1991, and the flaws of the facility were evident from the beginning. The CJAC Facilities Subcommittee is now taking on the task of determining what should be done with the outdated, overused and poorly designed jail.

Co-chaired by CJAC Members Sue Ann Arnall and Dan Straughan, the subcommittee’s focus is to identify and pursue opportunities for additional space or facility modifications to expand and reconfigure jail operations, adopt measures to increase efficient use of resources and begin a long-term planning process regarding the viability of the current jail and the potential need for a new facility. CJAC Member Rev. Theodis Manning also serves on the subcommittee.

Earlier in the year, the Facilities Subcommittee recognized that to conduct a thorough assessment of the detention center, professional help would be necessary. Working with numerous community stakeholders in the mental health/substance abuse field, those formerly incarcerated, law enforcement officials, and other citizens, the subcommittee requested proposals toward three main solutions: a completely new structure, a substantial renovation, or the addition of an annex to ease some of the strain on the present building.

The Facilities Subcommittee proposed and the full CJAC approved hiring local architectural-engineering firm FSB Architects + Engineers. The team FSB assembled to address the OCDC problems included extensive experience in modern facility design, funding, medical pod design and spaces adequate for education plus addiction treatment services. Additionally, the FSB team brought excellent experience to the table for community inclusion and feedback efforts.

This research study by FSB will modernize the county’s facility options. FSB will present its final study to CJAC in November 2021. CJAC will then forward recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and the Trust Authority for their consideration.

Read more about the ongoing justice reform work in the newest Annual Report, or read the previous VeloCityOKC.com coverage of criminal justice reform in Oklahoma County.