The following statement is in response to a recent story by The Oklahoman concerning a group disturbance at the Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Center.
Contrary to the opinions of certain people, what transpired at Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility on Friday was not a riot; it was a group disturbance. A riot happens when inmates band together and are violent toward the facility and staff, causing massive damage and disrupting operations. The chairman of Criminal Justice and Corrections seems to lack an understanding of precisely what constitutes a riot in a correctional setting. He continues to misrepresent the truth to fit his self-serving narratives.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections identified that the two security threat groups must remain separate and be on structured movement at all times. Unfortunately, due to human error, a disturbance involving the two STG groups occurred. All inmates involved submitted to restraints without issue.
The incident resulted in the death of two inmates, and three were treated for injuries – two were transported to hospitals with serious injuries and one was treated at the facility for a minor injury. One LCRF correctional officer received minor injuries.
ODOC is always concerned for the health and safety of those in our care and those incarcerated in contracted facilities. We continue to work with The GEO Group to determine how this happened and what corrective action must be taken.
