
The city of Wakita wants to build a faith-based prison in town. If Oklahoma approved the plan, it would be the first of its kind.
Wakita got the idea for the prison when they saw a NEWS 9 story about a man who wanted to build a faith-based prison.
Robinson said the prison will bring more than 100 jobs to the Grant County area and would require inmates to enroll in faith-based classesBy Rusty Surette, NEWS 9
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The small town of Wakita may soon play a big role in reducing the number of repeat offenders in the state.
NEWS 9 has learned the city of Wakita has signed a working agreement with Dallas-based Corrections Concepts to build a faith-based prison inside the city limits. If their plan is approved by the state of Oklahoma, it'll be the first of its kind in the country.
"The city leaders of Wakita came to me after seeing your story on NEWS 9 earlier this year," said Corrections Concepts founder Bill Robinson. "We met with the Governor's office this morning, and now we're just waiting to get a final approval from someone in the political system."
In February, NEWS 9 sat down with Robinson at his home in Dallas and talked about the idea of putting a faith-based prison somewhere in Oklahoma.
Learn more about Robinson's plan.
Robinson's plan for prison inmates would incorporate religion as part of their rehabilitation and prison term.
"We would take inmates who are serving their final 12 to 24 months in the system and teach them how to become citizens again before they're released," said Attorney John Sheedy whose serving as special council for the city of Wakita and Grant County. "We'll have a church group working with the inmates and their families while the offender is still behind bars, and they'll continue to work with that individual and mentor him or her once they are released."
The Sheriff of Grant County will oversee operations at the facility and said citizens of Wakita have little to worry about. After all, the offenders housed here will be near the end of their prison sentence, so there's little incentive for them to try and run now.
"Real public safety is not just preventing escapes, but it's changing criminals into citizens. That's real public safety," Robinson said.
Robinson said the prison will bring more than 100 jobs to the Grant County area and will generate an annual payroll of $4.5 million in the city.
Read the Inmate Participation Agreement.
Under Robinson's plan, the facility would hire only Christians. The inmates who agree to transfer to the facility would be obligated to enroll in faith-based classes.
More on News9.com: Man Seeks Place to Build Religious Prison
Comments Terms of Use: Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. In addition, by submitting a comment, you recognize that your comment may be read or discussed on one or more television news broadcasts on NEWS 9 and you consent to any such use. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
State revenues were below budget estimates again in January despite showing some improvement from the previous month, State Treasurer Scott Meacham announced this afternoon. More>>
A search for a missing Oklahoma City boy has ended after the boy showed up at school, police said. More>>
Several large columns of concrete fell from the expanding parking garage at the Devon Tower construction site. More>>
The possibility of more winter storms could mean more snow days for Oklahoma schools. Now, teachers are worried if students will be prepared for the upcoming standardized tests. More>>
Frequently unemployment is merely reported as a statistic, but the Oklahoma Impact Team is taking a closer look at the people behind the numbers. More>>
The Junior League of Norm is sponsoring the Healthy Smiles exhibit at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on Sunday, February 7 from 1-5 p.m. as part of National Children's Dental Health month. More>>
Oklahoma ranks as the third worst state for women due to high rates of domestic violence, teen pregnancy and incarcerated women. The Oklahoma Women's Coalition is working to change that. More>>
High schools across the state could begin offering an elective course in the study of the Bible under a measure approved by a Senate committee. More>>