MWC Police Making A Difference With Jail Ministry, Animal Welfare

The Midwest City Police Department is making a difference in the community after implementing a new jail ministry program and taking over the management of the city's animal welfare.

According to police, the department identified a need for some type of Christian ministry in its jail four years ago. Since then, there was a longstanding pastoral care program on the weekend. However, police said it was not as effective as they had hoped.

The department then offered a non-denominational spiritual service every Friday for anyone incarcerated on a municipal charge in the jail. The Midwest City jail is the largest municipal jail in Oklahoma. This move transitioned into a conversation that led the police department to the Oklahoma Jail and Prison Ministry (OJPM,) Midwest City Police Chief Clabes said in a press release.

According to police, the department recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with OJPM, and they are now providing two full-time jail ministers at no cost. 

OJPM is a non-profit, 501 3C organization that relies solely on donations to offset salaries and expenses. 

If you would like to support this program or your church is looking for a mission to sponsor, the department asks that you consider the Midwest City Police Department jail ministry.

Chief Clabes said they see a miraculous impact on a daily basis from these efforts and know it is changing lives forever.

Additionally, the police department took over managing the Animal Welfare, and officials said they have made tremendous strides in improving the overall operation with an objective of high adoption rates and rescues.

However, Chief Clabes said their budget is extremely limited and they would like to partner with anyone who is an animal lover. You can assist in several ways, either through financial and in-kind donations, volunteerism or sponsorship.

“Our vision is for individuals, businesses or organizations to sponsor an individual kennel for $300.00 a year. We will proudly display a plaque recognizing each sponsor at the Animal Welfare building. That is less than one dollar a day,” said Chief Clabes in a press release. “One local business recently provided materials to create a more friendly play area for our animals. We are always looking for volunteers or donations to improve the function of this vital effort.”

Contact Midwest City police if you would like to support either of these programs.