The Oklahoma County Detention Center has once again not met health and safety standards, as per a recent inspection by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The facility at 201 N Shartel Ave has been flagged for a myriad of deficiencies, including issues with safety checks, sanitation, and lack of adherence to protocol for inmate monitoring. KOCO reported significant safety concerns such as missing records for inmate safety checks and poor management of inmates' property.
During the unannounced inspection on May 7, staff were found to be lax in conducting necessary sight checks, especially for those on suicide watch, having prisoners wait for days before reporting an in-custody death to officials. As The Oklahoman notes, the center failed to properly record the occurrence of visual safety checks, with staff also struggling to maintain an optimal level of cleanliness.
Furthermore, the facility has been cited for failing to separate those considered a threat from others. Medical services also suffered due to daily staff shortages, impacting suicide precaution rounds and access to medication. In a report by OKC FOX, it was also noted that inmates had limited opportunities to bathe, with some experiencing pest infestations.
Issues extend to the facility's incapacity to provide two hot meals daily, with some finding their food delivered at temperatures between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Scratched windows in multiple pods, largely obscuring visibility, compromised staff’s ability to conduct safety checks effectively. Reports of a build-up of dirt and grime, and what appeared to be mold on the vents, walls, and bathrooms were also documented, leaving bed mattresses unsanitary and in some cases unusable due to pest infestations.
