Classifying inmates and assigning them to suitable facilities is a complex logistical task. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections Operations team continually reviews policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency, ensure facility and inmate safety, and support its dedicated staff in performing their duties.
To better serve our inmate population and staff, ODOC announces today that the Oklahoma State Penitentiary is now a fully maximum-security facility, having converted 160 medium-security beds to maximum-security beds, restoring its original purpose. The Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Okla., is the only facility classified as maximum security, even though some units were previously designated maximum security at the Allen Gamble Correctional Center in Holdenville, Okla. These newly converted beds were filled through transfers between OSP and AGCC.
The maximum-security beds at AGCC were converted to medium security and filled with medium-security inmates from throughout the system. Because AGCC housed several of the most volatile security threat group populations, this change enables staff to better separate the groups most responsible for violence and contraband at the facility, improving safety and security for both staff and inmates. This change helps staff better manage the more than 1,600 inmates housed there.
“We want to ensure that our mission of transforming lives is carried out to the best of our ability,” said ODOC Director Justin Farris. “This is why these moves were made. Not only will this support a safer, more rehabilitative environment, but it will also allow our hardworking staff to better manage our entire population.”
Any family members with questions should contact Community Outreach at 405-425-2607 during regular business hours or by email at community.outreach@doc.ok.gov. ODOC remains committed to transparency in its operations, fulfilling its mission of building a stronger Oklahoma, and being a good steward of taxpayers’ dollars.
