Lesia Miser, Administrator
P.O. Box 260
Lexington, OK 73051-0260
Phone (405) 527-3950
Fax (405) 527-4101
The Classification and Population unit is responsible for the administration of several units including: reception and assessment of all offenders sentenced to the agency from 77 counties through the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center, initial and reclassification of all inmates, offender records and sentence administration. population office, a1l central transportation units located at four sites across the state. The administration area sets policy and procedure for the agency, bed space management, system count, monitoring and implementing legislative changes as they relate to classification and programs.
The Classification Unit consists of four distinct sub units/responsibilities: The Initial Assessment and Reception of Inmates, The Population Office, The Central Transportation Unit, and Interstate Compact.
In CY 2012, there were 8,599 inmates received at A&R: 1,212 females and 7,387 males.
Inmates with felony convictions and sentenced by the courts to the Department of Corrections are received by the Assessment and Reception Center (A&R) located in Lexington, Oklahoma. The seventy-seven counties schedule transportation to A&R. Normally, there are over 1,600 inmates in county jails awaiting transfer for initial assessment.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections’ philosophy is that inmate re-entry begins at entry. As such, inmates serving 100 years or less undergo a complete needs assessment to determine what treatment the inmate requires to reduce their probability of recidivism. Case Plans are established utilizing objective assessments; to determine the need for substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral programs, education, vocational training, sex offender treatment, etc. Inmates are also classified to Maximum, Medium, or Minimum security. The inmate’s custody level is determined utilizing the most serious current offense, seriousness of previous offenses; escape risk, number of prior convictions, and additional risk factors. Placement of inmates at facilities is made to meet the department’s mission of protecting the public, staff and inmates.
The Population Office is responsible for scheduling all inmate movement throughout the Department of Corrections, including contract facilities. In order for an inmate to move from one location to another, the facility must submit a transfer packet. The population staff are responsible to ensure that the inmate is correctly classified and eligible for placement at the requested custody level; balancing the need of the offender to move to lower levels of custody for reintegration purposes and maintaining the safety of the public.
During calendar year 2012, the Population office transferred 16,734 inmates: 2,164 for higher security, 9,436 for lower security, and 5,134 for lateral transfers. A total of 423 requests for transfer were denied.
The Central Transportation Unit (CTU) is responsible for transporting all inmates. Once inmates receive their initial classification at the Assessment and Reception Center they move to their initial placement. As well, when inmates become eligible for lower levels of security, need additional structure at higher security, or need a program located elsewhere, this unit ensures the inmate is transported in a safe and secure manner.
CTU has four sites located around the state; located at the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center, William S. Key Correctional Center, John Lilley Correctional Center and the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center. During calendar year 2012, the Central Transportation Unit transported 21,760 inmates and drove 752,127 miles.
The Department of Corrections both places inmates out of state and receives inmates from other states. DOC utilizes Interstate Compact placement as a tool to manage high profile inmates and inmates who present a continued threat to the safe and secure operations of our facilities. In certain instances, inmates may be moved for compassionate reasons. Currently, Oklahoma DOC has 82 inmates placed out of state with 81 inmates housed from other states.
