Department of Corrections Plans To Cut Inmate Visitations

Jennifer Pierce, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Department of Corrections may eliminate prisoner visitations for three months next year in order to make ends meet, according to department officials.

Officials blame budget cuts and furloughs for the cutbacks. The DOC has already cut visitations from once a weekend to every other weekend.

Oklahomans with loved ones in prisons said this will hurt families and prisoners. A local woman, whose husband is in prison, said prisoners need the support of family, and to cut visitations could cause some inmates to act out.

She does not have children but said she believes more cuts will have a negative impact on Oklahoma children with one or more parent in the prison system.

Monica Houston, inmate advocate with All Of Us Or None, said cutting prisoners off from their support system will not only affect inmates' behavior but also their hope for the future.

"Considering the fact that Oklahoma is number one in incarcerated women and number three and four depending on what year for incarcerated males, I think this will have a huge impact on families," said Houston. "This is all these inmates have, to see their children's faces. An impact would be detrimental."

If the cuts go through, loved ones will have to rely on phone calls, which is about $4 for 15 minutes.

The DOC is asking the state for an extra $37 million to prevent the cuts.