State DOC To Help Provide Staffing At Okla. Co. Jail After Deadly Hostage Situation

The Oklahoma County Detention Center is facing pressure to increase staffing after a hostage situation ended with one inmate dead and a corrections officer in the hospital.

Tuesday, March 30th 2021, 6:51 am



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The Oklahoma County Detention Center is facing pressure to increase staffing after a hostage situation ended with one inmate dead and a corrections officer in the hospital.

 The state Department of Corrections is stepping in to help the Oklahoma County Detention Center to add more staff.

“The Department of Corrections reached out to jail administrators and made an agreement to bring in staff support for each of the shifts,” said Tricia Everest, the jail trust chair.

Former workers who asked to remain anonymous told News 9 the jail is dangerously understaffed and overcrowded.

At last check, the facility had more than 400 inmates above capacity.

“When it comes to our safety, they don’t care about it. The jail does need to be shut down there needs to be a new one built,” said one anonymous worker.

Another worker said they were forced to work two to three floors alone and eventually had to leave behind the dangerous job.

“I don’t feel like the jail should be running right now,” they said.

The jail is also feeling pressure from their health provider for inmates.

Turn-Key Health is giving the detention center an April 29 deadline to increase staff. If that doesn't happen, Turn-Key said they will pull their workers on May 31.

The jail trust told News 9 they don't have the specific number of employees the DOC is bringing in to help.

They also said more changes are in the works.

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