HOK Selected To Design Oklahoma County's New Jail

Oklahoma County commissioners are one step closer to building a new jail. 

Timothy Tardibono, with the advisory council, helped select HOK to design the new facility.

“We are really excited that they selected a nationally known architecture firm that focuses on justice related facilities,” Tardibono said.

The county also chose Rees Associates as a local partner. Both groups will work together to create a space that works well for the inmates and staff along with any programs that stop by providing services.

“In a new facility we can use technology, cameras, sensors to make sure people are going to their classes, going to the medical unit,” Tardibono said.

That is something Tardibono said is a struggle at the current detention center.

“One of the things we are not going to repeat is the 13 stories,” Tardibono said.

CEO of the Oklahoma County Jail Brandi Garner is looking forward to that changing.

“The medical floor is on the top floor. That’s a problem, so it should be on the ground floor,” Garner said.

She said there are multiple challenges.

“The walls for instance are very easy to dig through, tunnel through, that's no secret,” Garner said.

Despite their efforts, Garner said the structure makes it hard for them to do their jobs efficiently.

“This is built like a maximum-security prison,” Garner said.

One thing she's hoping to see at the new location is an open dorm option for local offenders and space for more direct supervision.

“It's possible when you allow them to have freedom of movement and they're not locked behind doors all the time you get more cooperation from them,” Garner said.

Right now, there isn't a location for the new jail. Government entities have until June 2 to submit a proposal for a new site.