Official: Space Isn't There to Treat Sex Offenders

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Department of Corrections said they don't have enough space to treat some sex offenders before they are released.

Jerry Massie with the DOC said the problem is nothing new. He said there are about 3,500 sex offenders in Oklahoma prisons right now but not all will receive treatment.

"Our treatment program at one facility can only accommodate 55 people at one time," Massie said.

The lack of space means sex offenders are leaving prison without the treatment to help them resist acting on their urges and are more likely to re-offend.

"There is not going to be much possibility for additional resources being obtained," Massie said.

He said the reason for the limited space is because the DOC is strapped for cash and cannot get grant money like what substance abuse programs receive.

"It would cost us somewhere in the neighborhood of $280,000 a year for salary and benefits to staff it. Then you have to have a place to hold program," Massie said.

But local attorney, Jack Dempsey Pointer said there may be an alternative for some sex offenders. He said he is trying to get one of his clients out of prison and into a work release program.

"It would benefit the state and the people of the state of Oklahoma to allow him to be incarcerated and to pay for his own treatment," Pointer said.

Pointer said if a prisoner can pay for their own treatment, it could save tax payers thousands of dollars, but he admitted it's not a popular decision among judges.

Massie said the DOC would like to expand the program but without proper state funding, that doesn't look likely.

"We would certainly like to provide treatment to more people but given the circumstances and resources it's not likely that will happen anytime soon

The DOC treatment is 18 months long and department officials said the program is more effective when a prisoner attends toward the end of their incarceration.