A Closer Look at Oklahoma's Correctional Facilities and the Intersection of Civil Litigation

The issues surrounding Oklahoma's correctional facilities are anything but straightforward. While providing humane conditions and adequate staffing in prisons may seem like a given, the reality in Oklahoma reveals a more complex and troubling picture.

State Rep. J.J. Humphrey, Chair of the House of Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee, recently called for an interim study to investigate suspected injustices within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC). The study aims to uncover a range of issues, including inhumane prison conditions, chronic staffing shortages, and an alarming rise in violence.[1] As the state contends with the escalating crisis, the intersection of prison conditions and civil litigation becomes a central concern.

Staffing Shortages: A Worsening Crisis

Oklahoma’s prisons are facing a critical shortage of correctional officers, a problem that exacerbates much of what ails the system.[2] With a correctional officer-to-inmate ratio of 15:1—the worst in the nation—it is clear the state’s prisons are stretched beyond their limits. The ODOC has confirmed this data, painting a bleak picture. The decision to eliminate some open correctional officer positions, coupled with the widening gap between employee departures and new recruits, has created a situation that is as predictable as it is tragic.

Furthermore, Oklahoma's correctional officers are among the lowest paid in the country, with the state ranking 8th lowest in median salary.[3] This has led to a workforce that is overworked and underpaid — conditions that inevitably lead to disaster, as State Rep. Mauree Turner has pointed out. The repercussions of these shortages affect both inmate safety and overall prison management.

The Escalating Violence in Oklahoma Prisons

The number of homicides in Oklahoma state prisons is now reported to be twice as high as previously disclosed—a revelation that has shocked some but not Humphrey.[4] In fact, he expressed surprise that the numbers aren’t higher, given the current conditions. Former staff members have corroborated these findings, describing a work environment where employees are increasingly concerned about their safety due to inadequate staffing.

A particularly troubling example of this crisis is the pattern of extortion targeting families of incarcerated individuals. A recent article published by Tulsa World reveals a family currently experiencing such extortion.[5] Sylvia received a phone call from what she thought was her incarcerated son's cellphone. But the voice on the line was not her son's—it was someone demanding money and threatening her son's life if she didn’t comply. Over the course of a year, Sylvia was forced to send over $13,000. The consequences of missing a payment were severe; her son would be deprived of food and attacked by other inmates.

Sylvia's story is far from unique, highlighting a systemic problem within Oklahoma’s prisons. Humphrey’s interim study aims to bring these conditions to light, escalating the need for reform.

Living Conditions: A Deepening Concern

The conditions within Oklahoma’s prisons have been described as deplorable. Inmate advocate and paralegal Brooke Bradley-Saylor has been vocal in her criticism, pointing to overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate medical care. Reports of infestations, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of basic necessities like clean water and sufficient food are not uncommon.

These conditions pose severe health risks, with outbreaks of illness, such as meningitis, occurring at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. Humphrey has also highlighted cases where inmates were allegedly confined in two-by-two-foot cells for extended periods without adequate access to food, water, or bathroom facilities. These reports suggest not only a failure in physical care but also a broader moral failing.

The ODOC has claimed that steps are being taken to improve prison conditions, including investments in infrastructure upgrades such as air conditioning and security systems. However, many remain skeptical. Reports of mismanagement and resource misallocation suggest that these efforts may not be yielding the necessary results, leaving the underlying problems unaddressed.

Conclusion: The Legal and Moral Implications

The conditions within Oklahoma’s prisons carry profound legal and moral implications. Inmates have the right to pursue civil action for grievances such as inadequate medical care, excessive use of force, and unsanitary living conditions. Attorney Katie McDaniel emphasizes the importance of understanding "evolving standards of decency" in the context of civil rights, urging an evaluation of what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment today.

For those who have experienced civil rights violations within the Oklahoma prison system, the path to justice may be long. But with the right legal support, there is hope for justice and legislative change. Contact our team of civil rights attorneys today to explore your options.