Tuesday, January 18th 2022, 6:20 pm
Tuesday, the Oklahoma County Commissioners approved a request for funding, which would go towards a new Detention Center, as well as mental health services.
Dozens gathered this morning as County Commissioners discussed this new proposal, requesting $110 million from the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding of the Oklahoma Legislature for a new jail.
"I think it’s widely recognized, has been for years," said Kevin Calvey, District 3 County Commissioner. :"We’ve endured federal department of justice investigation since 2008. The problems in the jail are not new."
Those problems vary, from the condition of the facilities to inmate deaths. The County Detention Center reports two deaths in just this month alone and 16 in 2021.
This funding request not only asks for money for a new facility, but also improving mental and behavioral health care. Some say this isn’t enough.
"What we argue is if they build a new jail the mental health will be lost because that’ll come at the end, we want it at the beginning," said Sean Cummings, with the Peoples Council for Justice Reform. "We make sure it’s done so we’re more than happy to discuss a new jail."
Cummings and others have been advocates for improving the living conditions inside the jail.
They believe there are too many inmates put into these facilities and they don’t believe this new plan helps that cause.
"Instead, they have chosen a path to greater mass incarceration," said Mark Faulk, Peoples Council for Justice Reform.
However, County Commissioners believe this new jail will help public safety, provide better working conditions for staff, and better living conditions for the inmates.
"Keep in mind that this may not be the final rendition, this may not be the final plan, but at least it’s a conversation starter, we’re starting a negotiating table with the state," said Brian Maughan, District 2 County Commissioner.
This new proposal will now be voted on by legislatures.
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