Media Relations

• Media representatives who want to interview an inmate in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections must send a request by email. Use communications@doc.ok.gov.
  
• Each request must include the reporter’s name, phone number, and email address. It should also list the inmate’s full name, ODOC number, and the topic of the interview.
• The media representative must also send a written letter directly to the inmate to ask for the interview. Mail it to:
  • Inmate's Full Name + ODOC Number
    Securus Digital Mail Center - Okla. Dept. of Corrections
    PO Box 223566
    Dallas, TX 75222-3566
• The inmate must agree to the interview in writing. A phone call is not enough. The written agreement must be sent to the ODOC Public Relations office before anything is scheduled.
• Interviews with ODOC inmates can take place on weekdays during business hours. Both the facility warden and the Public Relations office must approve the visit.
• Send your requested interview dates at least one week ahead of time. Give the Public Relations office at least three different dates and times. This helps avoid scheduling conflicts.

• NO CELL PHONES OR SMARTWATCHES.
  
• Media representatives will have one hour to interview an individual inmate. Interviews with multiple inmates at the same time will adhere to the same time constraints.
• A reasonable amount of time will be allowed for camera crews to set up equipment. This set-up time is not considered part of the hour granted to the media representative.
• All interviews will take place in a location determined by the facility.
• Requests to interview correctional officers, wardens, or other members of the staff at the facility must be agreed upon by the individual ODOC employee.
• No other photos or video footage may be taken in or outside the predetermined interview location unless agreed upon by the warden or communications representative present from the ODOC.
• Crews are limited to no more than four people and two cameras. Each crew member must have a valid driver license, passport or other official form of photo identification in order to enter a unit.
• Media representatives must declare all personal property to officers at the facility before entering. If items are deemed contraband, the items must be taken outside or thrown away.
• The following items are allowed in the media representative’s possession: recording devices, wireless microphones, notepads, writing instruments and camera equipment.
• All equipment will be searched upon entering the facility.
• It is recommended media representatives arrive at the unit at least 30 minutes before the scheduled interview time.
• Everyone entering the facility will be subjected to a pat-down security search.

• Families, spiritual advisors and other individuals on an inmate’s personal visitation list are not permitted to be present during media interviews. Likewise, media representatives are not able to accompany any of these individuals on personal visits.
• Media representatives may not be listed on an inmate's visitation list if they wish to be recognized as media by the public relations office.
• A media representative who is placed on an inmate's personal visitation list is not allowed to visit that inmate as a media representative.
• The organization affiliated with the media representative placed on the inmate’s personal visitation list are also not allowed to visit the inmate.

For larger projects that need access to a facility, contact the public information manager. You will need to discuss and agree on the details before moving forward.

All visitors must follow the agency’s media rules and guidelines. If you do not follow them, you may be asked to leave the facility. Breaking these rules can also hurt your ability to do interviews at ODOC facilities in the future.

Questions about the ODOC media policies may be directed to communications@doc.ok.gov.