In response to a report concerning Oklahoma prison violence that aired on the “Oklahoma News Report” on Friday, January 19, 2024, a spokesperson with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections sent us a series of statements regarding comments made by individuals interviewed in the report.
We used portions of those statements in the report but agreed to make the ODOC’s entire statement(s) available in their entirety below.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is aware of the letter by Representative Justin Humphrey, which makes several claims. At this time, a few of the inaccuracies will be addressed.
ODOC has no report or knowledge of any inmate being tied up and raped for hours. If true, this egregious act must be investigated thoroughly, and those involved must be held responsible. We welcome Rep. Humphrey to send us the information about the referenced incident. ODOC staff work diligently to ensure the safety of inmates and fellow staff members. We respond swiftly to incidents and provide any necessary medical treatment as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, violent acts do occur within prisons; however, looking at one or two incidents is not indicative of the overall embodiment of how ODOC is operating and protecting staff and those incarcerated. Over the last six months, there has not been a statistically significant increase in inmate-on-inmate assaults. During the same time frame, there has been a reduction in inmate-on-staff assaults.
Contraband cellphones are a threat to public safety. Employees work diligently daily to combat the introduction of cellular devices into our facilities using state-of-the-art technology and traditional methods. Over the last year, we have confiscated or bricked over 5,000 cellphones.
It is not within ODOC’s ethos to hide money. Every year, a transparent budget request, including a plan and spending history, is presented to the legislature. It would be detrimental to try to conceal money – a risk no ODOC employee, current or previous, is willing to take. Through streamlining processes and identifying efficiencies, the agency was able to afford a one-time performance-based stipend.
The performance stipends were distributed per Oklahoma Statute §74-840-2.17, a law since 2002. ODOC continues to be a good steward of taxpayers’ dollars while rewarding its workforce for their dedication to the State of Oklahoma, public safety, and changing lives. The method of performance review, which has long been used in private industry, has been a state standard since 2019. ODOC began using calibration in early 2022 before Director Harpe started his time with the agency. Also, Director Harpe did not receive a raise when he became the director of ODOC. He has received the same pay since July 2021, when Governor Stitt named him the state chief operating officer.
Within the last few months, Director Harpe has pushed for employees to be compensated fairly. Captains now receive overtime pay, which will encourage more qualified security staff to apply for promotions, and all levels of food service workers received a much-needed pay raise. The salaries of other job positions are currently being reviewed. Director Harpe also implemented a technology refresh for the entire agency, eliminating antiquated computers that hindered employees from efficiently performing their duties.
His efforts are being noticed throughout the United States. Just this week, Director Harpe spoke to corrections directors and commissioners from across the nation about the initiatives we are taking in Oklahoma to further public safety.
Under Director Harpe’s leadership, many positive changes have occurred. Our recruitment efforts and results stay strong, the agency’s attrition rate is down, and the culture change continues to take hold across the agency – a change noticed by staff and inmates. His office continuously receives compliments about the agency-wide changes from employees, inmates, and their families.
When an assault does occur, our dedicated staff responds as quickly as possible. Concerning the incident at Dick Conner Correctional Center, they did a tremendous job. The Office of the Inspector General launched an immediate investigation. Within 45 minutes of the gang-related assault, all suspects were identified and relocated to a higher security level facility, and the victim received immediate medical care. DCCC security staff did an excellent job mitigating any further violence.
Facility staff is not “afraid of inmates,” and the inmates do not “run the facility.” We promote a culture of respect within all our workplaces. We combat the introduction of drugs and contraband into our facilities daily.
Auditing and Compliance team members were asked to help stand up the food services when ODOC populated the Great Plains Correctional Center in Hinton. All members agreed to go. Ms. Thompson’s team and her direct supervisor worked and still work to help GPCC operate efficiently until all the Food Service positions are filled. When Ms. Thompson expressed her concerns, her leadership and the director heard her. In fact, when she turned in her resignation, her chain of command offered her extended leave or job relocation to have her stay. She chose to resign still. ODOC does not operate on a culture of fear. If she was made to feel that way, we are unaware of anyone in her chain of command – the only ones with termination authority – who did so.
Respectfully,
Kay Thompson | Chief
Public Relations | Department of Corrections