Jail population continues downward trend, more progress at Oklahoma Co. Detention Center

At the midpoint of fiscal year 2023, the latest report from the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory County (CJAC) details progress in the work to improve conditions at the Oklahoma County Detention Center.

Average jail populations continue their downward trend against the backdrop of chronic and concerning jail overcrowding over the last two decades. The mid-year average for the first and second quarters of FY23 was 1,627 detainees, with 179 of those awaiting transport to the Department of Corrections after their judgment and sentencing have been determined. The FY23 average so far is lower than any of the previous three-year averages, which all were significantly lower than the previous 20-year averages.

The fiscal year 2023 data continues to show the decline in women incarcerated at the detention center. When the Vera Institute for Justice report was released in 2016, the number of women detained was 20% of the detention center’s population. For the mid-year point of FY23, the number of incarcerated females in the center has dropped to 15%.

Another improvement implemented at the detention center is the Fast Track booking process. The Fast Track booking process serves Oklahoma County residents by allowing them to be booked and released from the jail without being arrested or going through the secured area of the detention center. For the first six months of FY23 (July 1-Dec. 31, 2022), the Fast Track office processed 474 individuals through the system. This new process kept those 474 people from being arrested and spending any time in jail. The great response to this new process  is an indication that the new jail needs to be designed to further facilitate this service in the future.

Pictures from left to right: Xavier Neira, Sandino Thompson, Steve Mason, Joanne Davis, Mike Mize, Larry Stevens, Pat McCoy (photo credit The Oklahoman)

Progress on the new jail facility was made recently with the appointment of members to the Oklahoma County Citizens Bond Oversight Advisory Board by the Oklahoma County Commissioners. The oversight board is made up of seven community members, all with extensive experience in the construction industry, procurement process and/or public works process. They will help ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated with the construction of the new facility.

Each commissioner appointed one member, then four members at-large were chosen. 

• Commissioner Carrie Blumert appointee: Sandino Thompson
• Commissioner Myles Davidson appointee: Xavier Neira
• Commissioner Brian Maughan appointee: Patrick McCoy
• Appointees at-large: Steve Mason, Larry Stevens, Joanne Davis and Mike Mize

For more details on the progress being made, read the full report from CJAC here.