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  NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 INSIDE CORRECTIONS   

   

Directors Comments

Appointments

Field Operations Division

Oklahoma Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit

Military Spotlight

 

 

Directors Comments.

Welcome to another winning edition of Inside Corrections...the state magazine of corrections that sets the standards of such publications across the United States. This edition mainly focuses on Field Operations which is the largest subsection of the department. Associate Director Ed Evans is responsible for all aspects of field operations and now has served longer as associate director than anyone else in the history of the department. He has and is serving with distinction and unparalleled dedication toward quality and improving the department.
Field Operations serves as a testament to the complexity of the correctional profession. Its many units and sub units affects every aspect of the department’s operations. That is one of many reasons why field operations must always stay on the cutting edge of what is occurring in our profession...everything from new proven security protocols to bringing new industry products to market demonstrates the vast spread of responsibility within the associate director’s purview.

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Appointments

APPOINTMENTS

Milton Gilliam, Administrator
Probation and Parole
The Division of Community Corrections is pleased to announce the appointment of Milton Gilliam to the position of Administrator of Probation and Parole. He has worked in Corrections since 1980, as a Case Manager (MBCC), Probation/Parole Officer (Central District), Training Officer, Team Supervisor (Central District), and Administrator of Parole and Interstate Services. He received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Oklahoma Christian College in 1979, and received a Master’s for Education in Counseling Psychology from Central State University-Oklahoma in 1985. He has been the Compact Administrator in Oklahoma since October 1, 1990. Milton has been active in the Parole and Probation Compact Administrators’ Association (PPCAA) and the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) by serving and chairing several committees, and he is currently the Chair of ICAOS.

Carmen Jackson, Assistant District Supervisor
Clara Waters Community Corrections Center
Please join the Division of Community Corrections in welcoming Carmen Jackson as the Assistant District Supervisor at Clara Waters Community Corrections Center/Oklahoma County Community Corrections. Ms. Jackson began her career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections at Lexington Correctional Center as a case manager on the Youthful Offender (RID) Program. She then promoted to Senior Case Manager at Lexington, and later Case Manager Supervisor at Clara Waters Community Treatment Center. She also served as a local administrator for Community Sentencing. Ms. Jackson received her Master’s degree in Applied Sociology in 1984.

Deborah Romine, Parole Process Coordinator
Division of Community Corrections
Deborah Romine was appointed as the Parole Process Coordinator for the Division of Community Corrections beginning May 23, 2011. She started her career as a Probation and Parole Officer in April 1991. During her time in corrections, she has worked for Legal in Administrative Review, Community Corrections as a Field Services Representative, and Oklahoma City Community Corrections Center as Case Manager Supervisor.
As the Parole Process Coordinator, she is the liaison for the Department of Corrections with the Pardon and Parole Board and the Governor’s Office regarding parole matters. Her job includes tracking all paroles, from the recommendation by the Pardon and Parole Board to the approval by the Governor. All parole issues including questions and paperwork should be forwarded to Ms. Romine.

Sharon McCoy, Deputy Warden
Eddie Warrior Correctional Center
Please join the Division of Female Offender Operations in welcoming Sharon McCoy as Deputy Warden at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center effective September 1, 2011.
Ms. McCoy has served in a number of positions in her 28 years with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. She began her career as a Correctional Officer at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in 1981. She has also served in the capacity of Correctional Counselor, Correctional Case Manager, Unit Manager, Administrative Programs Officer, and for the past six months has served as the Interim Deputy Warden at the John Lilley Correctional Center. Ms McCoy received her B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant, Oklahoma.

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Field Operations Division

Field Operations Division

Ed Evans has been attracted to the criminal justice field since he was first employed as a federal Court Deputy Clerk in Kansas City, Missouri. He was later employed by the Arkansas Department of Corrections as a Probation and Parole officer in 1975 until his promotion to Supervisor of Area 1 Probation and Parole.
In 1982, Mr. Evans began his career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as District Supervisor of District II, Tulsa Probation and Parole Office. Since his first position with the Department, Mr. Evans has served in several positions to include, Deputy Warden and Warden I of the Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center and Warden II of the James Crabtree Correctional Center.
Mr. Evans was promoted to Regional Director for the Northern Region in 1997 and to Deputy Director of Administration in 2002. He served as the Interim Director for the Department from July 2005 through October 2005. Mr. Evans was appointed Associate Director of Field Operations in December 2005.
He is currently a member of American Correctional Association, the Oklahoma Correctional Association, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice and is the President-Elect for the Southern States Corrections Association.

The Division of Field Operations is comprised of Female Offender Operations, Institutions, Operational Services, Private Prisons and Jail Administration, Procedures and Accreditation, Safety Administration, and Dietary Services.
These entities provide direct supervision of all agency institutions, to include both male and female offenders at minimum, medium, and maximum security, and death row, as well as female offenders under community corrections supervision; three contract private prisons housing Oklahoma male offenders and oversight of the remaining three private prisons who contract for out-of-state offenders; in addition to offenders in contract county jail programs. The division also oversees Classification and Population, Central Transportation Unit (CTU), Sentence Administration and Offender Records, Sex Offender Registration, Agri-Services, Oklahoma Correctional Industries, and Construction and Maintenance.
Field Operations administrative staff work closely with members of the legislature and their staff, other state agencies and law enforcement entities, as well as members of the public to respond to questions and provide information on agency-related matters and offender specific concerns.
field operations
SUPPORT UNITS



Procedures and Accreditation
The Procedures and Accreditation Unit is responsible for the maintenance and issuance of agency policies and procedures. The unit ensures that the written policies and procedures, essential to the management, review, and monitoring of the operations and programs of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC), are accessible to all employees, to the public, and offenders. The internal departmental procedures are written to instruct department staff on how to exercise the discretion vested in the Board of Corrections and the director and to give authority to staff to exercise that discretion in the performance of their assigned and implied duties. In addition, the department procedures specify internal management guidelines that implement federal law, state law, American Correctional Association (ACA) standards, policy statements, and other appropriate directives, court rulings and professional standards.
The accreditation program offers the opportunity to evaluate operations against national standards, to remedy deficiencies and to upgrade the quality of correctional programs and services. The recognized benefits from such a process include improved management, a defense against lawsuits through documentation and the demonstration of a “good faith” effort to improve conditions of confinement, increased accountability and enhanced public credibility for administrative and line staff, a safer and more humane environment for personnel and offenders, and the establishment of measurable criteria for upgrading programs, personnel practices, and physical plants on a continuous basis.
The Procedures and Accreditation Unit administers and directs the compliance monitoring program for the department. This includes development of goals and objectives to successfully accomplish the mission of the department; providing liaison functions with departments and agencies within the State of Oklahoma and on a national basis; developing and evaluating policy and procedure to ensure compliance with policy, procedures, ACA standards, codes and regulations; and developing guidelines and providing interpretation/clarification to implement and direct the agency’s compliance/accreditation efforts.

Agri-Services
The Agri-Services Unit has been developing new projects that will make the division more efficient, while ultimately reducing facility food costs.
The Agri-Services Meat Processing Center has a new protein source in the development stages that has great possibilities. It is a chicken-based sausage product which will be available in both patty and bulk form. This product has received great reviews from administrative staff, food service personnel, as well as offenders. The two most exciting features of the product are that it is a “non-pork” item and that it will cost approximately half the price of pork sausage, which will significantly help reduce offender food costs. This item also has excellent flavor and texture! Look for this product to be available soon through the Meat Processing Center.
The Agri-Services dairy is excited to announce that it has developed a strategy to consistently provide 2% milk for offender consumption. Until now, the challenge has always been to match the gallons of milk produced to the offender consumption rate on a daily basis. When production of milk was too low, additional powdered non-fat dry milk was added to make up the volume difference, resulting in milk that was less than 2% butterfat. Conversely, if milk production was too high, less powdered milk was added, resulting in milk that exceeded 2% butterfat. The problem was that Agri-Services had no outlet for excess milk production. To solve this problem, the unit entered into an agreement with a milk company to purchase all of the unit’s excess milk production. Several cows were added to the milking herd to ensure there will always be a sufficient volume of milk to meet departmental requirements, which will result in a consistent 2% milk product being delivered to the facilities on a weekly basis.
It is no surprise that the Department of Corrections uses a tremendous amount of pinto beans, because they are nutrient dense and are relatively inexpensive. The Agri-Services Unit tried unsuccessfully for three years to grow pinto beans at the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite, but the climate was just not conducive to growing beans in that region. However, the unit believes the climate at William S. Key correctional Center in Fort Supply is ideally suited for pinto bean production. Plans are currently underway to install a second pivot irrigation system at this unit that will be dedicated to pinto bean (and possibly other dry bean) production. The unit is confident dry beans can be supplied to facilities much more economically than purchasing them through the current state use contract.
As you can see, the Agri-Services Unit is working hard to accomplish its mission, as well as assisting facilities in the reduction of food costs. If you, as a fellow DOC employee, have any idea as to how AgriServices can help you succeed in your area, comments or suggestions are welcomed. The unit is just a phone call or e-mail away!

Classification and Population
The Classification and Population Unit is comprised of four separate units: Sentence Administration and Offender Records, Facility Classification, Population and Central Transportation.
The Sentence Administration and Offender Records Unit insures that all offenders remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections are confined and/or supervised according to the order of the sentencing court; serves as a centralized source of offender information for staff, the public, and for numerous state and federal agencies by using active and closed records dating prior to statehood; is responsible for monitoring the time calculation records of inmates assigned to private prisons; maintains the statewide sex and violent crime offender registries, and directs the statewide quality assurance and audit process for time calculation records.
Facility Classification operates the two Assessment and Reception Centers located at Lexington and Mabel Bassett and is responsible for scheduling receptions from the 77 counties into the Department of Corrections, to include parole violators, and reclass escapees; conducting the initial intake process; preparing initial records and offender files; assessing offenders’ needs and conducting the initial/reclassification on the offenders at the reception centers. Staff at the Assessment and Reception Centers assign offenders to their initial facility placement. Approximately 9,000 offenders are received into the Department of Corrections each year.
The Population Office conducts all offender transfers within the Department of Corrections, reviews and approves/denies all classification actions that result in a transfer; approves, reviews and enters all offender non-associations; through offender movement, creates bed space so that the Assessment and Reception Centers can receive offenders from the county jails; produces the system count and daily statewide moves and all mental health/medical moves, as well as, programmatic and segregated housing moves.
The Central Transportation Unit (CTU) has four sites across the state located at Lexington Assessment and Reception Center, John Lilley, Jackie Brannon and William S. Key Correctional Centers. CTU transports offenders out of the Assessment and Reception Centers, inter facility moves and felony writ moves, travelling to every DOC facility in the state, as well as contracted private prisons. Since CTU transports every level of security, all offenders are transported as maximum security. Males and females are always transported separately.

Oklahoma Correctional Industries
Oklahoma Correctional Industries (OCI) realized several major accomplishments in 2011, with the most important accomplishment being able to remain successful and profitable during a serious two-year recession.
In 2007, OCI recognized, through monitoring a myriad of economic indicators, that the unit was soon to face a major recession. Having experienced this in the past, OCI was aware that it is difficult to implement new revenue streams and quickly downsize operations in order to contain costs once a recession begins. Therefore, the unit began implementing cost savings measures two years prior to the recession hitting its’ Oklahoma customers. OCI chose to reduce costs in three major areas: attrition of staff; postponing expenditures on trucks, vehicles and equipment; and reducing inventories from 90120 day levels to 3060 day levels.
The second phase of the recession plan involved establishing new revenue streams that would improve revenue generation with minimum upfront costs. This was accomplished by increasing private partnerships from 50 to 400+ offender workers by the end of FY 2011. As of June 30, 2011, OCI had 414 offenders working in private partnerships with an estimated 550+ offenders working by the end of FY 2012.
The third component of OCI’s focus to remain profitable was achieved by increasing its sales focus on major customers and drilling the traditional product market as deeply as possible. By doing so, OCI generated over $650,000 more funds in traditional product revenues for FY 2011 than were generated in FY 2010.
Combining the new revenue streams with annual costs savings, along with an increase in traditional business ventures of $650,000, OCI remained successful and will generate approximately $1 million in profit for FY 2011. OCI funds were used to offset agency budget needs during FY 2011.

Safety Administration
The Safety Administration Unit is charged with ensuring the safety of staff and offenders by anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling environmental and safety factors arising in or from the workplace that may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers. The unit accomplishes its mission through the utilization of bi-annual facility inspections to ensure that all DOC and contract facilities are in compliance with regulations set forth by ACA, OSHA, and DEQ, etc. The unit is responsible for coordinating employee safety training, investigating employee accidents, and establishing a safe and healthy work place. Safety is a good investment for the department and the state. By addressing safety issues, DOC can lower workers' compensation premiums, create a safe work environment, improve employee morale and practice sound financial responsibility by addressing potentially hazardous conditions prior to accidents.

SYSTEM SUMMARY
Facility Total Count 18,011
Contract Facilities Count 6,254
Out Count Count 1167
Probation Count 21412
Parole Count 3266
System Total Count 50110

FY 2011 Appropriated Budget:
$462,141,777

COST OF INCARCERATION (FY2010 Actual Expenditures)
Maximum Daily $75.87 Annual $27693
Medium Daily $42.41 Annual $15480
Minimum Daily $40.43 Annual $14758
Community Daily $41.55 Annual $15167
Work Centers Daily $36.31 Annual $13253
Probation and Parole $2.81 Annual $1026

division of female offender operations
Laura J. Pitman, Ph.D., Deputy Director


The Division of Female Offender Operations is responsible for all security and operational issues associated with oversight of female offenders from reception through reentry at two correctional centers, two community corrections centers and two contract residential centers. The division is also responsible for female-offender focused grant-funded diversion and reentry programs, as well as volunteer and religious services.
One of the unique aspects of the Division of Female Offender Operations is the division’s work toward reducing the incarceration rate of women in the state of Oklahoma. The first legislation passed that has the potential to impact the incarceration rate of women within the state was authored by Representative Kris Steele and Senator Todd Lamb and co-sponsored by 28 additional members of the House and Senate. HB 2998 was signed into law on June 5, 2010 and authorized the Department to create pilot programs consisting of private donations and state funds to provide diversion programs and reentry services for nonviolent offenders who are also the primary caregiver of minor children. The first pilot diversion program, ReMerge of Oklahoma County…Moms Breaking the Cycle, was developed through collaboration with multiple community stakeholders already engaged in service provision to the female offender population. Initial funding commitments include: Inasmuch Foundation, $350,000; Oklahoma Department of Corrections, $100,000; Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, $100,000; and George Kaiser Family Foundation, $30,000. The program allows participants access to a variety of supports and services which include: food, shelter, clothing, transportation; behavioral health; domestic violence intervention; health care; education; training and employment placement; parenting skills; and spiritual support as well as supervision in the community. The program targets women who are facing a nonviolent felony conviction that would otherwise result in imprisonment, who have care-taking responsibility for their children or are eligible for reunification. Priority is given to women who are pregnant, those with a child or children under five years of age and those with multiple minor children. Both the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office and the Public Defender’s office have been extremely supportive of this new diversion effort. The first program candidate, referred by the District Attorney’s office, was evaluated on July 15, 2011.

Mabel Bassett Correctional Center
Millicent Newton-Embry, Warden
Medium Security
Capacity: 1,043 and 93
(Assessment and Reception)
Mabel Bassett Correctional Center is a medium security facility for female offenders including those on death row and administrative segregation and serves as the Assessment and Reception Center for all female offenders. Facility staff are also responsible for the custody and care of female offenders with chronic and acute medical and mental health needs.
In July 2010, a new telemarketing operation, Back Office Support Systems (BOSS), began at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center and has become one of the most popular and sought-after facility jobs. Offenders earn $1.45 per hour and bonuses are offered as incentives to reach sales goals. Only offenders possessing and maintaining excellent work ethics are considered and retained. Offenders must have earned credit level 3 or 4, possess strong communication skills, reading comprehension and general math skills. Offenders are selected for employment after successfully passing a job skills test and interview.
Offenders are hired to make automated calls under staff supervision. The operation utilizes computer-generated lists from an index of pre-selected out-of-state business contacts. The operation is a partnership between Oklahoma Correctional Industries (OCI) and outside private industry.
Both day and evening shifts operate five days a week offering the offenders the opportunity to utilize and strengthen marketable job skills that will be beneficial in obtaining employment upon release.

Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center
Mike Mullin, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 783
Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center is a minimum security facility housing female offenders. Facility staff provide gender-responsive programming, education, vocational training, work skill development, and evidence-based reentry services.
In order to assist incarcerated parents with reconnecting with their children, the “Messages Project” was piloted at Dr. Eddie Warrior and Jess Dunn Correctional Centers. The program was created by Carolyn LeCroy of the Virginia Department of Corrections, and focuses on children left behind when a parent is incarcerated. Cheri Fuller with Redeeming the Family brought the program to Oklahoma and Ms. LeCroy and Marty La Barbera provided training to the Oklahoma volunteers. Offenders were videotaped reading a book, reciting poems, or telling stories to their children and, with the permission of the children's caregivers, videos were mailed to the offenders' children for them to view.

Female Offender Community Corrections and Residential Services
Sharon Harrison, District Supervisor
Female Offender Community Corrections and Residential Services is comprised of two community corrections centers in Oklahoma City, one contracted halfway house – Turley Residential Center in Tulsa and one contracted treatment facility – Center Point, Inc. in Tulsa. Reentry is the focal point of Female Offender Community Corrections and Residential Services. The centers utilize cognitive behavioral programs in conjunction with basic education, alcohol and drug counseling, vocational-technical training programs and work release to prepare offenders for reentry into the community. These programs afford community corrections offenders with the opportunities needed to support a law-abiding, productive life upon their return to the community.

Hillside Community Corrections Center
Minimum Security
Capacity: 249
Hillside Community Corrections Center is a 249 bed female-offender facility one step away from work release. Offenders are prepared for work release via Prisoner Public Works Programs. In Prisoner Public Works Programs, offenders work for local, state, or federal agencies. The goal of prisoner public works is to involve the offender in regular, meaningful work that results in developing a positive work ethic. This experience also provides the offender with an opportunity to have a reference when looking for employment in the community. Most positions are custodial and clerical. Offenders in these programs work at a variety of locations including: Department of Central Services, Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Department of Public Safety and Department of Tourism.
The substance abuse treatment program at Hillside Community Corrections Center is a 5-month program, designed for up to twenty (20) female offenders, to assist with relapse prevention and substance abuse issues. Offenders who scored moderate to high on the Substance Abuse Therapy (SAT) assessment, as indicated on the individual case plan, are required to participate in the program. The program is funded through state Special Population Treatment Unit (SPTU) funds from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) and Cope, Inc. is the current program provider. While at Hillside, offenders have opportunities to learn and practice new work and social skills, and to begin their transition to the community through employment, supervised shopping trips, and attendance at community-based churches and support groups.

Kate Barnard Community
Corrections Center
Work Release
Capacity: 160
Kate Barnard Community Corrections Center is a 160-bed female community-based supervision facility. This facility houses residents who are in the Work Release program. The focus is on providing the resident with opportunities to seek, obtain, and maintain employment in the community prior to release from incarceration. The offender is able to earn money to pay her program support fees, court cost obligations as well as mandatory savings which will be released to her when paroled or discharged. Offenders assigned to work release status may also be eligible to continue their education through colleges, universities or vocational/technical centers. Programs and services for Kate Barnard Community Corrections Center residents teach problem solving skills, help build individual self-esteem and responsibility, facilitate personal and spiritual growth and assist with reentry.

division of institutions
Marty Sirmons, Interim Deputy Director


The Division of Institutions provides oversight, direction, and supervision to the fifteen state operated male facilities housing minimum, medium and maximum security offenders.
The division is responsible for assuring that the facilities under its jurisdiction meet the agency mission of protecting the public, the employees, and the offenders by providing a safe, secure and healthy environment in which to work and live.
The division office also provides oversight of fiscal management and ensures facilities effectively manage their budgets.
The Deputy Director of Institutions oversees the department’s two hostage negotiation teams. The purpose of these teams is to assist facilities, districts, or units during crisis situations in which hostages have been taken. This is accomplished by providing trained negotiators, represented by members from each facility, and the resources necessary to successfully achieve their main mission: the preservation of life. Negotiators receive ongoing extensive training in negotiation techniques, and since their inception in 1995, have attended the annual training competition in San Marcos, Texas and have scored first place in the prison division six times. The Deputy Director of Institutions oversees the department’s honor guard, which provides for the development of professional skills, the enhancement of morale among employees, and promotes a positive public image of the department. The honor guard will render honors and courtesies at DOC ceremonies, funerals of current and retired employees as requested by family members, and other occasions as authorized. The honor guard is currently comprised of 23 members representing the Division of Institutions, Female Offender Operations, Community Corrections, and Internal Affairs.
Five members of the Honor Guard recently attended The Project 2000 XXII Memorial Ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, honoring fallen correctional officers for the year 2010, at the request of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation.

Bill Johnson Correctional Center
Janice Melton, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 566
The Charles E. “Bill” Johnson Correctional Center is a minimum security facility designed to house 550 adult male, felony drug offenders, ages 18-40. BJCC hosts two programs, the Delayed Sentencing Program for eligible offenders age 18-22 and the Regimented Treatment Program for eligible drug offenders.
Bill Johnson Correctional Center has been involved with new construction or building renovations to expand the facility’s capacity. Beginning in September 2010, the construction of the new Vera Mae Eversole Chapel and the Donald L. Benson Visitor/Program Center was completed and dedicated in April 2011. The Benson Center provides programming space for groups, and the Eversole Chapel has been utilized for various religious activities and programs as well as for baptisms. In October 2010, two additional modular buildings were added for programming space due to the conversion of the Multi-Purpose Building into a housing unit for 64 offenders. Unit 3 opened in August 2011. The last expansion project at BJCC is the renovation and conversion of the CareerTech Skills Center into an additional housing unit; Construction on Unit 4 is ongoing.

Dick Conner Correctional Center
Jane Standifird, Warden
Medium Security
Capacity: 1196
R.B. “Dick” Conner Correctional Center, a medium security facility for male offenders is located three and one half miles north of Hominy. The facility’s primary purpose is to provide custody and control for high medium and minimum-security inmates. The primary work program is institutional support and industry. The programmatic mission is education. DCCC has a capacity of 1,196 with a 43-bed Segregrated Housing Unit.
Dick Conner Correctional Center is in the process of receiving two new chapel buildings, a 5000 sq. ft. building for medium security and a 3000 sq. ft. building for the John L. Dahl minimum security facility. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held June 28, 2011.
World Mission Builders, located in Enid, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, is constructing the chapels. Dr. Joe Wilson leads the project. Dr. Wilson and World Mission Builders have constructed numerous churches and chapels around the world. Construction crews, consisting of church volunteers from around the country, will be arriving September 16-October 1, 2011 to erect the buildings. Both buildings will be raised during this two week period.
Funding for these projects is provided through private donations from churches, businesses and individuals. The response from the private sector has been tremendous.

Howard McLeod Correctional Center
Bruce Howard, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 616
The Howard McLeod Correctional Center is a minimum security, adult male facility located 30 miles southeast of Atoka, Oklahoma. The facility capacity is 616 with a 42 bed Segregated Housing Unit. HMCC currently operates a 93-acre vegetable farm under the supervision of the Agri-Services unit. Vegetables produced are utilized by HMCC and other Department of Corrections facilities. Programs at the facility include four career tech programs and a literacy/GED school.

Jackie Brannon Correctional Center
Emma Watts, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 747
The Jackie Brannon Correctional Center was once a part of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, known as the “Trusty Building.” On July 1, 1985, JBCC became a separate administrative entity and was officially designated a minimum-security male institution. The facility capacity is 747. Jackie Brannon Correctional Center staff have a long history of being involved in community projects. This was recently recognized as the facility was honored at the 2011 Child Abuse Prevention Conference in McAlester as the recipient of the Ryan’s Award, in recognition of its contributions toward child abuse prevention in the community. The facility was recognized for its participation in Ryan’s Run, a 5K road race to raise funds for the Pittsburg County Child Abuse Response Effort. A former JBCC Warden, the late H. N. “Sonny” Scott, started the run, named in honor of McAlester child abuse victim Ryan Luke. JBCC has hosted the event for 16 consecutive years. PC-CARE Board President Joe Brawley made the presentation.

James Crabtree Correctional Center
David Parker, Warden
Medium Security
Capacity: 969
James Crabtree Correctional Center is a medium security male facility that provides institutional and farm support for offenders 35 years and older. The primary programmatic mission is education.
JCCC offers a community based program called “PAWS”itively Drug Free,” which is a coloring contest targeting elementary age students. School students submit brightly colored and creative pictures that feature, Lexi, the facility drug detection dog. All students receive a trading card featuring Lexi and the dog handler. In addition, each student receives a dog tag with the drug prevention theme “PAWS”itively Drug Free imprinted on it. Students receive an age appropriate lecture on substance abuse followed by a question and answer session. This project was developed based on a specified need not being addressed in our communities. Methamphetamine labs and abuse have devastated rural Oklahoma. New laws were enacted to limit the sale of the ingredients for manufacturing but staff felt that targeting the youth with education and knowledge would be a key additional component. Northwest Oklahoma is a very rural area and access to programs of any nature is limited. Area elementary schools are state agencies with very little to no funding for extra programs. JCCC provides this program to their agency at no cost to the Oklahoma Department of Education. All funding is raised by facility employees totaling over $4400 given in drug free awareness prizes.

Jess Dunn Correctional Center
Mike Mullin, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 982
The Jess Dunn Correctional Center is a minimum security facility that houses 982 male offenders. The primary programmatic mission is to provide education, career tech and sex offender psycho-education programs.
In an effort to assist incarcerated parents with the opportunity to reconnect with their children, the Dr. Eddie Warrior and Jess Dunn Correctional Centers participated in the pilot of the "Messages Project" on May 4, 2011. The program provided offenders the opportunity to create a 15-minute video recording sending a special message to their child/children. Approximately 53 female offenders and 12 male offenders were selected to participate in the project. Offenders were allowed the opportunity to meet with the “messages” team prior to the filming to ensure they presented a positive message to their children. Many offenders chose to read books or read letters their children had sent them, while others simply explained their absence from the family. Offenders were also encouraged to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caregiver of the children. Since the program began, over 4,000 videos have been made at correctional facilities across the United States.

Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center
Haskell Higgins, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 706
Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center is a minimum security facility that houses 706 male offenders. Each offender is afforded the opportunity to acquire educational opportunities, as well as attend the first established and most extensive CareerTech program in the state of Oklahoma. The program has eight different skill areas currently available at the facility: industrial electricity, air conditioning/refrigeration, welding, construction technology, masonry, transmission repair, steerings/suspension/brakes and engine performance. In February 2011 the CareerTech program celebrated their 40th anniversary recognition and Mr. Jim Hamilton was a key speaker. In addition, Mr. Hamilton was nominated and chosen for the "CareerTech Hall of Fame," where he will be honored at a function held in Stillwater, OK on November 7, 2011. As we end this fiscal year, the Skills Centers have achieved rates of 71% for training related placement and 83+% for positive placement.

Joseph Harp Correctional Center
Mike Addison, Warden
Medium Security
Capacity: 1397
Joseph Harp Correctional Center is a medium security facility with the distinction of being the only facility in the United States to be granted waivers of two standards dealing with overcrowding, due to its high quality of life.
JHCC has a very efficient maintenance department consisting of six staff supervisors with a total of 90 years combined experience. Maintenance is responsible for maintaining approximately 45 buildings consisting of 453,000 sq. ft. of building space spanning 80 acres of land. The vehicle fleet consists of road-worthy vehicles and institutional maintenance vehicles such as farm tractors, off-road vehicles, and dump trucks. All repairs and preventative maintenance of the vehicles are handled at the facility. In addition to the upkeep of the facility, maintenance staff takes care of the DOC Security Unit at Lindsay Municipal Hospital, OCI buildings and shares responsibility with LARC for the maintenance of the staff Wellness Center. On average, the Maintenance Department receives 1,000 work orders per month. This department emphasizes a strong preventative maintenance program and has been involved in a variety of construction and renovation projects through the years. As part of the constant renovation of the facility, and in accordance with ADA regulations, wheelchair ramps have been built, sidewalks widened, handicap accessible water fountains installed, etc. The fact that maintenance staff manages to get all of their work done within budgetary constraints speaks volumes for the dedication of this group.

John Lilley Correctional Center
Kameron Harvanek, Interim Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 836
John Lilley Correctional Center is a minimum security male facility with a capacity of 836 males. JLCC’s Education department currently has three full time employees with Master’s Degrees. Currently, there are 184 students enrolled, 32 in the college program and 4 currently pursuing a bachelor degree. They have awarded offenders completion credits for the following programs in the last fiscal year (July 2010-June 2011): Literacy-28; ABE-32; GED Certificates – 37; Life Skills – 286, Associate Degrees granted – 5; Bachelor Degrees in the last 2 years – 2. They do quarterly TABE (Total Adult Basic Education) testing for the entire student body to determine advancements. There were 184 TABE tests administered off the yard for this past fiscal year. The education staff also operates the leisure library.

Lexington Assessment and Reception Center
Eric Franklin, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 1438
Lexington Assessment and Reception Center (LARC) is a receiving hub for all male offenders statewide. There are 752 medium beds, 263 minimum beds and 418 maximum beds contained in the reception center. The staffing for these three distinct areas comes from several different entities. Lexington Correctional Center staff (LCC), Assessment and Reception staff (A&R), Central Transportation Unit (CTU), Population/Classification staff, Medical staff, Oklahoma Correctional Industries staff (OCI), CareerTech staff and a myriad of contractors of all types must work together each day to meet the mission. CTU and OCI are the central shipping hub for offenders and products moving around the state so the amount of comings and goings from this facility requires a great deal of attention to detail and coordination. With such a diverse set of assignments, we all work together daily not only to satisfy our individual mission requirements, but also to assist the other departments in meeting their missions. In addition, there is also plumbing, electrical and carpentry offered in CareerTech, as well as educational programs available to the offender population. LARC also manages a 10-bed infirmary, leather shop and the “Friends for Folks” dog training program. LARC is truly a complex operation, with a dedicated staff committed to the Agency mission.

Mack Alford Correctional Center
Anita Trammell, Warden
Medium Security
Capacity: 805
Mack Alford Correctional Center has 542 medium security beds to include a 45-bed Segregated Houseing Unit, and a 263 bed minimum security unit. Programs at the facility include basic literacy, GED, college level courses, and the CATCH program (long term substance abuse program). In addition, MACC has two Oklahoma Correctional Industries, of a furniture renovation factory and a sign shop.
MACC maintains a 26-member Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT normally consists of one commander and one co-commander. The team is divided into two squads with nine members per squad. One two man sniper/spotter team is assigned to each squad. Additionally, there are two officers designated as chemical/inflammatory agents and electronic technology specialists. The team is composed of volunteer personnel who, when not training or activated, are assigned to regular full-time correctional duty assignments. This team consists of specially trained correctional officers tasked with responding to incidents, riots, cell extractions, disturbances within the facility and escapes. All CERT personnel are on 24 hour standby. The team is founded upon teamwork and its members are highly motivated and committed to task. The team is capable of handling all situations that pose a significant threat to the security and safety of the facility, the general public, the staff and offenders. Mack Alford Correctional Center is proud of the dedication and teamwork of our CERT and would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank you, for a job well done.”

Northeast Oklahoma Correctional Center
Rodney Redman, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 420
The Northeast Oklahoma Correctional Center (NOCC) in Vinita, Oklahoma is a minimum security facility for 420 adult male offenders. NOCC is currently completing a renovation project that will house an additional 100 offenders on Housing Unit 4. The renovation consisted of placing additional showers, toilets, sinks and bunks in previously unused space. The increased population will assist in providing labor to the two new PPWP crews in Mayes and Rogers Counties, for which NOCC has recently contracted. NOCC currently provides PPWP crews for Delaware, Craig, Ottawa and Nowata Counties as well as the City of Vinita and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Oklahoma State Penitentiary
Randy Workman, Warden
Maximum Security
Capacity: 1115
Prior to statehood in 1907, all felons convicted in Oklahoma Territory were transferred to Kansas. After statehood, McAlester was chosen as the site for Oklahoma State Penitentiary (OSP) and 1,556 acres was set aside for the maximum security facility. OSP was opened in 1908. As the population inside OSP grew, new housing units were added. The newest edition, H-Unit, provides quarters for disciplinary segregation offenders and death row. H Unit also houses administration segregation and Level III general population offenders.
The Oklahoma State Penitentiary is extremely proud of its employees that have served in The United States Armed Services. Warden’s Secretary Melody Bryant and Deputy Warden Linda Morgan have done a fantastic job of providing recognition to those employees with a wall decoration listing all employees’ length of service and a monthly letter of recognition dedicated to those individuals. The Oklahoma State Penitentiary currently has 53 employees that have served a combined total of over 624 years in military service.

Oklahoma State Reformatory
James Rudek, Warden
Medium Security
Capacity: 999
Oklahoma State Reformatory is a medium security male facility with a minimum security support unit. OSR’s primary mission is to provide agricultural work and institutional support. The programmatic mission of Oklahoma State Reformatory is education.
In November 2009, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and OSR partnered with an outside telemarketing firm from St. Clair Shores, Michigan. The company is Back Office Support Systems (BOSS). BOSS sells long distance services to businesses throughout the United States. Level 3 and 4 offenders are interviewed and are selected by BOSS employees. The program currently employs 47 offenders. Once offenders are hired, they are placed on a 60-day probationary period and are paid 75 cents/hr. During this time, offenders are trained on proper phone and sales etiquette. After the offender successfully completes the probationary period their pay increases to $1.45/hr. and they are eligible for sales bonuses and incentives. BOSS also works with an outside agency to assist any offender who has worked for them with job placement after their incarceration. The BOSS program has been a successful partnership for the company, as well as the Department of Corrections. The success of the program has allowed the company to expand operations to Mabel Bassett Correctional Center and Joseph Harp Correctional Center.

William S. Key Correctional Center
Marvin Vaughn, Warden
Minimum Security
Capacity: 1147
William S. Key Correctional Center is a minimum-security facility that began housing offenders December 6, 1988. The facility was named after the late Major General William Shaffer Key. General Key was named Warden of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in 1924 and served until 1927. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed General Key as Oklahoma Administrator of the Works Progress Administration in 1935.
Accredited by the American Correctional Association since May 1990, the institution has the distinction of sharing grounds with four other state agencies: Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Department of Vocational and Technical Education (CareerTech), Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Division (until 1992), and the Oklahoma Historic Society.
The mission of William S. Key Correctional Center is: “To provide custody and control for minimum security male offenders; provide meaningful work opportunities through institutional support and Agri-Services; and provide community support through prisoner public works program. William S. Key Correctional Center provides substance abuse treatment through the Key to Life program, reentry through faith based programs, education, and career-tech activities to release a more productive citizen. William S. Key Correctional Center Health Services provides constitutional health care and supportive education to all offenders in an efficient cost-effective manner.”

private prison and jail administration
Renee Watkins, Administraor


Due to overcrowding in the Department of Corrections’ facilities during 1994, interested sheriffs contracted with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for bed space in an effort to alleviate overcrowding. In 1995, State Statute 57 § 561 was enacted, authorizing the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to contract with private prison operators to house Oklahoma offenders, thereby creating the Private Prison and Jail Administration unit.
The unit also has responsibility for monitoring not only private prisons and county jails housing Oklahoma DOC offenders, but any private prison operating within the state. This currently comprises a total of fifteen county jails and six institutions, with oversight of 7,506 offenders (2,343 non-OK; 4,717 OK, 446 County Jail). Three institutions house Oklahoma offenders, one houses California offenders, and two institutions that previously housed Arizona offenders are currently vacant awaiting contracts.
In addition to annual contract negotiations with the private prison corporations and jails, the unit is responsible for liaison between the individual facilities and the department; review and approval of new construction/renovation; serious incident review; statistical information; state statute/contract/policy compliance; and annual auditing of each contract facility.
Each facility is assigned at least one contract monitor who is responsible for oversight of the facility to include offender issues; observation of facility processes such as program activities and security operations; review of areas such as offender discipline and classification; and routine/non-routine inspections.

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Oklahoma Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit

Oklahoma Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit was formulated in 1987 by Director Larry Meacham and Internal Affairs Administrator Tom Lovelace. However, the unit was not implemented until 1988. The unit began with two agents assigned; those agents were Larry Bennett and Norman “Tom” Hess.
Upon development, the primary mission of the unit was the apprehension/return of escaped offenders from the custody of the Department of Corrections. Agents were also utilized in various assignments as designated by Internal Affairs Administrator Lovelace.
In 1990, a third agent, Charles “Chuck” Smith, was added to the unit. All three were assigned to the DOC Administration building in Oklahoma City.
In June of 1991, the Department of Corrections joined with six other Oklahoma City metropolitan area law enforcement agencies to create the Metro Fugitive Squad. As a result, the unit’s focus became capturing all fugitives from justice. The goal was to pool resources to aid in the capture of all fugitives on both state and federal levels.
The initial Metro Fugitive Squad consisted of the Department of Corrections, Western District of Oklahoma United States Marshals, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Secret Service, Oklahoma City Police, Oklahoma County and Cleveland County. This joint effort led to the capture of many high profile DOC fugitives as well as violent fugitives not under the authority of DOC. As a result of their success, similar fugitive task forces have been formed in both the Northern and Eastern Oklahoma District Offices of the United States Marshals.
The cumulative effort also resulted in agents being invited to complete the Fugitive Investigators School with the United States Marshal Service, Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy in Glencoe, Georgia. Their involvement also benefits their efforts in allowing the agents to attend continued education courses and tactical training exercises conducted by the federal government. Following their assignment to the task force, the agents are required to complete a federal background investigation which allows each agent to be deputized as a “Special United States Marshal.” This is a major benefit to the department as it provides authority to the agent to cross state lines when needed. The department also receives financial benefits to include the Marshal’s service providing each agent with a vehicle, $5,000 in fuel costs per calendar year and the reimbursement of all overtime expenses.
In 2007, Agent Hess retired from the Department of Corrections and current Administrator Blevins determined the vacant position would be moved from Oklahoma City to the eastern side of the state to expand the success rate of the unit. At that time, Kevin Newberry was named as the agent to replace Hess.
Currently, the unit is comprised of Kendall Ballew, Supervisor, Larry Bennett, original Agent III, Chuck Smith, Agent III and Kevin Newberry, Agent II. With only four full-time employees companion, they rely on assistance from their assigned task forces.
In order to become a successful Fugitive agent, one must build and maintain excellent working relationships with not only DOC staff but also outside law enforcement agencies and their personnel. Therefore, the assigned agents are members of the National Association of Fugitive Investigators (N.A.F.I.). By attending training conferences in different areas of the country and meeting other fugitive investigators from various agencies, the agents are able to exchange business cards and establish a working relationship which often enables them to know investigators at or near where assistance is needed, even out of state.
According to Supervisor Ballew, one of the required mind-sets to be successful as a Fugitive Agent is simply, “No turf wars” between agents or agencies. The goal is to place the fugitive behind bars as safely and quickly as possible. Often times, “as quickly as possible” is not quick enough for associates or family members of the fugitives. Friends and relatives of the fugitive often want the fugitive back in custody either due to fear of the fugitive being harmed or them harming other persons.
Ballew explains the most often used skill for a fugitive agent is patience. Unlike a citizen with a warrant, who may or may not know he or she is being sought, all DOC fugitives know that law enforcement is actively searching for them, so they must constantly look over their shoulder. As a fugitive agent, you must be willing and able to sit surveillance for hours in all weather; freezing in the winter because you can’t run the heater and sweating in the summer without air conditioning. Your task often requires one to hang out in unsavory areas and businesses. The job also places a burden upon not only you but also on your family. Most fugitive operations are completed in the evening and on weekends. Throughout an agent's career, he will miss numerous holidays and family functions. Capturing fugitives is similar to fishing; you must try different times of the day, different lures and casting techniques. Eventually, you will find the right combination and arrest your target. Ultimately, you must be willing to respond to the whispered 3:00 a.m. call “he is here right now; hurry!”
Some cases are solved quickly, and some go on for years. Every case has similarities and differences based upon the personality of the fugitive. Some escape because they miss family and friends while other escape due to problems with other offenders.
One capture took 34 years; the escapee had fled custody in 1971 while serving ninety- nine (99) years for Rape of a Child less than 14 years of age. Information was developed that placed him in Minnesota. A lead was sent through the task force and the fugitive was taken into custody. Several weeks after the fugitive was returned to Oklahoma the agency received a call from the victim. She had seen his return on the news and wanted to thank the fugitive unit for not giving up. She stated she could finally stop looking over her shoulder. He had promised to find and kill her for testifying against him in 1968.
Today’s Fugitive Unit is comprised of agents dedicated to the apprehension of DOC escapees and offenders who have chosen to abscond parole supervision. Agents are also called upon to assist Probation and Parole Officers with the apprehension of offenders with a violent history as well as to assist the US Marshals Violent Crime Task Forces. When DOC fugitives are apprehended outside of state, the assigned agents are often responsible for returning the offenders to the State of Oklahoma. Agents are also responsible for moving violent offenders from State of Oklahoma facilities to other state facilities for housing when a security threat requires such.
From 2007 through 2010, the unit apprehended 364 DOC fugitives listed on the department fugitive web-site. They also arrested 331 probation offenders and have assisted the US Marshal Service with the felony arrest of 360 fugitives.
On January 1, 2010, the DOC lifetime fugitive list identified 85 total DOC fugitives. During the calendar year, the fugitive hotline added 173 escapes (144 escapes from community corrections, 29 from minimum security with no escapes from medium or maximum security) and 57 offenders who absconded parole. Assigned agents apprehended 119 DOC escapees and parole absconders while 112 additional fugitives were apprehended by various law enforcement agencies across the nation. The assigned agents assisted Probation and Parole Officers with the apprehension of 59 offenders and the US Marshals Task Force with the apprehension of 67 fugitives.

LARRY BENNETT – AGENT III
Larry was hired by the Department of Corrections, Security Unit on September 20, 1982, with enrollment at the George Nigh Staff Development Center academy located at Jess Dunn Correctional Center, Taft, Oklahoma.
Once the academy was complete, Larry was assigned to the Oklahoma Memorial Hospital (OMH) security unit. Larry explains, “The agency had two Hospital units, Griffin Memorial located in Norman, Oklahoma, it was a lock down unit. The second was Oklahoma Memorial located in Oklahoma City; inmates were placed on the floor or unit (ICU) that treated their medical needs. Both Hospital Units were part of the Internal Affairs Division.”
In 1984, Larry was transferred to DOC Headquarters to a position within the Transportation Unit. “This was in the days before CTU. Headquarters (Internal Affairs) picked up inmates in city and county jails and holding cells of Community Correction Centers all over the state and met Facility Transportation Units at Lexington CC at 0900 hours every Tuesday and Thursday. I reported for duty at 0300 hours on Tuesday and Thursday at the Department Headquarters at 3400 N. Martin Luther King, Oklahoma City. This routine meeting was known as SWAP OUT. In the very beginning of SWAP OUT all transportation units met at the old, unoccupied army barracks on the east side of the Lexington CC property. Within a couple of weeks, the meeting place was moved inside the fences of LARC. In addition to non facility in-state transportation conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the other responsibility of the Headquarters Transportation Unit was nationwide extraditions the other days of the week. There were as many as three two-man teams dispatched throughout the nation at one time. The unit also responded to riots and hostage situations throughout the agency.” In 1988, the Fugitive Warrants Unit was organized and Larry was chosen as one of two of the first agents.
“My family is from Pushmataha County in southeast Oklahoma. I grew up hunting in the mountains. I was a buck sergeant in the United States Army and I was a crew chief on a UH1H helicopter in an elite attack helicopter Brigade. When with the 6th Air Calvary Combat Brigade, I trained live fire missions with the Israeli Air Force fighter units. I had other responsibilities like flying Dignitaries (U.S Congressmen), etc. In the Army, I received extensive training in weapons, tactics, logistics and leadership. With my background and training, I believed I had skills and abilities that would be an asset in hunting armed dangerous men. The head of Internal Affairs, Tom Lovelace, agreed and placed me in one of two Agent slots.”
Larry explains that much has changed since the inception of the Fugitive Unit. “The first day, Agent Hess and I were given a stack of escape files, a pistol each and a white Plymouth Grand Fury with numerous antennas across the rear of the vehicle. The white Grand Fury was Tom Lovelace’s old car.”
Soon after, they requested specialized fugitive training, a low profile vehicle, radios and body armor. As a result, they were sent one at a time to the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Investigator School at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glencoe, Georgia. As the budget allowed, they were provided regular vehicles, radios and body armor. As time progressed, the unit became part of the Metro Fugitive Squad with the United States Marshals Service. “This gave us almost unlimited manpower and technical support.” When asked to reflect on his years with the unit, Larry explained, “The fabric of society has become much more violent and indifferent. In 1988, there were no gang problems in this state, computers were almost non-existent, and cell phones were a novelty.”
“Since being assigned as a Fugitive Agent, I have been in three gunfights. I was required to fire my weapon in the last two. Agents are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have been called out on a Saturday on my way to my own birthday party. I missed Christmas day on two different occasions. Fugitive work is like the house being on fire, go now or don’t go at all. We tell motel clerks, next door neighbors, and involved parties to call our cell phones when the fugitive shows up regardless of the time or day. We also conduct inmate extraditions and security moves for the Agency across the nation.”

CHUCK SMITH – AGENT III
Chuck was hired by the Department of Corrections in September of 1986. He began his employment as a Correctional Officer at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center.
In September of 1987, Chuck was promoted to the position of Probation and Parole Officer I, with District Seven in Oklahoma City. While learning his duties as a PPO, he decided to take on additional tasks, to include attending CLEET classes to earn certification as a Firearms Instructor. One of the job tasks he enjoyed was helping teach officers to shoot a firearm. His duties included going to court for revocations, presentence, parole hearings, and he built a base for further court appearances. This was a great training ground, as it made going to court on new charges less intimidating.
When asked to reflect on his experience as a Probation and Parole Officer, Chuck noted the following:
“While conducting home visits, one afternoon, I came across a distraught probationer from my caseload. I had been looking for him because he had moved without notifying the department. He was very agitated about impending robbery charges and was inhaling fumes from a gas soaked rag. As I entered the duplex, I noticed he had doused himself and the rooms with additional gasoline. He had also cut the gas lines for the furnace and kitchen stove. After initially speaking to him and trying to calm his erratic behavior, I contacted the Midwest City Police Department. After getting Police, Fire, and EMT’s to the scene, a MWCPD officer and I resumed the dialogue with the probationer. After a 5 hour standoff, the probationer surrendered to us. He was taken into custody and placed in a facility for observation.”
As a result, DOC submitted his incident report and other reports on the incident to the American Correctional Association. A month later, Chuck was informed that he would be receiving the ACA Medal of Valor along with the DOC Medal of Valor, and acknowledgement from the Legislature and the Governor’s Office.
“I did not feel that what I did was special. I think that other Probation and Parole Officers would have done the same thing. I was and am very humbled to have received these awards.” In August of 1990, Chuck was selected to become the third Fugitive Apprehension Agent with the Internal Affairs Division at DOC headquarters. Upon arrival, Chuck was informed the primary duties of the unit were to investigate, locate, and arrest escapees and a limited number of violent parole violators. Chuck felt this would be new and exciting work. He would be working alongside two existing agents, who had basically invented the procedures for the unit, as no previous employee had been tasked with fugitive hunting as a primary job duty.
“Due to my newness in the unit, work for me was a lot of trial and error in trying to locate the fugitives on my caseload. We worked closely with the CERT units from the facilities and built a lot of long term friendships. It is always a great thing to work with officers that were CO I’s and are now Lieutenants’ Captains, and Majors. The Fugitive Warrants Agents and the CERT officers worked well as a team with a single mission: Handcuffs on fugitive. We began building relationships with local law enforcement and federal agencies that had members who also chased fugitives.”

KEVIN NEWBERRY – AGENT II
Kevin began his career with DOC in August 1991 as a Correctional Officer Cadet at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center(EWCC).
In March 1992, Kevin completed Drill Instructor Training and worked as a Drill Instructor over the SHOCK Incarceration Program at EWCC.
In 1992, Kevin transferred to Jess Dunn Correctional Center(JDCC) and promoted to Sergeant. While assigned to JDCC, Kevin worked several different posts such as Central Control, all the housing units, High Risk Unit, Restrictive Housing Unit and Transportation Officer. Kevin also helped sponsor the Chaplains Softball and Basketball Teams participating in sporting events with the inmates in the community of Muskogee. Kevin reported that one of his career “highlights” while at JDCC was providing security at the bombing in Oklahoma City and then being selected to work the Presidential Protective Detail during the Memorial Service for the victims of the bombing. In 1996, Kevin transferred to the Tulsa Community Correctional Center (TCCC) where he worked as Shift Supervisor. In 1997, Kevin was awarded Correctional Supervisor of the Year in 1997 at TCCC. TCCC closed in 1998 and Kevin returned to Eddie Warrior for approximately one year. In 1999, Kevin promoted to Correctional Case Manager at District II (Probation & Parole) in Tulsa. His duties included conducting Pre-Sentence Investigations, Judicial Reviews and Delayed Sentencing Reports as well as attending court on Delayed Sentencing and Judicial Reviews. In 2006, Kevin was assigned to work with the private prison half-way houses located in the Tulsa area, where his duties included monitoring an Escapee case load and inmate work crews from the Avalon Halfway House, Turley Halfway House and Riverside Work Center.
From 1991 until 2006, Kevin was an active member of CERT teams at EWCC, JDCC and TDCC. Kevin was also a member of the CERT Competition Team while at JDCC.
In September 2007, Kevin was promoted to his current position with the Internal Affairs Division as a Fugitive Apprehension Agent. When asked what prepared him for his current assignment Kevin stated, “I feel my experience as a CERT member most prepared me for the position as Fugitive Apprehension Agent. I participated in numerous 'man hunts' at JDCC thanks to the facility not having a fence back in those days. Being a CERT member at TCDCC allowed me to have more community contact as well as more contact with other law enforcement agencies due to dealing with escapees from community corrections. As a Fugitive Apprehension Agent, it allows me the opportunity to make a difference in the community and fulfills the mission of the department by protecting the public, the employee and the offender. Bringing fugitives to justice helps hold the individual accountable, brings a peace to their family members that are concerned about their well being, and protects the public. This position has opened many doors and has allowed me the opportunity to work with numerous law enforcement agencies. This position also allowed me to become dual commissioned as a Special Deputy with the United States Marshal’s Service where I am a member of the Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force. It also affords me the opportunity to show the different law enforcement agencies and members of the community, the dynamics of corrections, to which some have never been introduced. I pride myself in being firm, fair and consistent. I have also learned that you catch more bees with honey. "
"As the newest member of the unit, I have drawn much experience from Chuck Smith and Larry Bennett who took me under their wings. Their wealth of experience and years of service has been a great asset for me. My goal is to have a safe, successful career with many fun memories and stories to tell my grandchildren.”

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Military Spotlight

Military Spotlight

by Terry Crenshaw, Warden's Assistant
Oklahoma State Penitentiary
The Oklahoma State Penitentiary is extremely proud of its employees that have served in the United States Armed Services. Warden’s Secretary Melody Bryant and Deputy Warden Linda Morgan have done a fantastic job of providing recognition to those employees with a wall decoration listing all employees’ length of service and a monthly letter of recognition dedicated to those individuals. The Oklahoma State Penitentiary currently has 53 employees that have served a combined total of over 624 years in Military Service.
We would like to honor all OSP staff who have served or are still serving in the military. The following names are listed on the Military Spotlight Wall in OSP’s Administration Building, along with an employee who is chosen monthly for the military spotlight.



ARMY
Tracy Davis
Tracy Davis joined the Army in 1986, feeling that it was his patriotic duty. He enlisted as a Combat Engineer. In 1989, he received an Honorable Discharge. After September 11, 2002, Tracy again felt that it was his patriotic duty to serve his nation. In 2006, he re-enlisted with the National Guard.
In 2007, Tracy was deployed to Baghdad where he spent 18 months through mortar fire and small arms fire. While in Baghdad, his duties were to escort dignitaries, such as the Prime Minister and both the President and Vice President of Baghdad. His crew did over 300 missions with no injuries sustained to Tracy or any of his squad.
OSP would like Tracy to know that we are proud of you and proud to have you at OSP. We will keep you in our prayers for a safe homecoming.

Dale Cantrell
Dale Cantrell joined the U.S. Army in April 1968 because he was getting ready to be drafted. During his military career, Dale has been stationed in many places. In 1969, Dale was stationed in the Republic of Vietnam, 9th Infantry Division – Do Tam. In 1970, he stationed in the Republic of Vietnam, 101st Airborne Infantry Division – Camp Eagle. From 1973 – 1995, was in the 445th Military Police Oklahoma Army National Guard in McAlester. During his time with the 445th, Dale was stationed in Germany (1988), Panama (1989) and Southwest Asia, Saudi Arabia (1990-1991). In 1996, Dale transferred to U.S. Army Reserve in Oklahoma City. During his time with the Army Reserve, he was stationed in Ft. Riley, Kansas; Ft. Hood, Texas; Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin; Ft. Bliss, Texas; Ft. Irving, California; Ft. Dix, New Jersey; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba , and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Dale earned roughly 40 awards during his military career, including the Parachute Wings, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Award, Overseas Action Award, Vietnam Action Award, Southwest Asia Award, Superior Unit Award, Superior Non-Commissioned Officer Award and the First Sergeant Award. Dale says that one of his most memorable experiences in the military was jumping out of a plane.
Dale retired as a Military Police, 1st Sergeant, after 40 years and 4 months of service to our Nation. Dale, we are proud of you and your military service. Thank you.

NAVY
Christe Dedmon
Christe Dedmon joined the U.S. Navy in August 1992, on a whim about a year after high school. She wanted to join the Air Force with her high school friend, who didn’t get accepted. The Navy was right next door and snatched them both up.
Christe did basic training in Orlando, Florida. After basic training, she was assigned to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion. Christe was deployed to Japan twice; Puerto Rico; Monterey, California; and Port Hueneme, California. She was also stationed in Hawaii and states it was like a 3-year vacation. She had lots of fun.
Christe honorably discharged from the Navy in 2004 as a Yeoman 1st Class, E6. When asked about her most memorable moment while in the Navy, she says, “There are some stories you just don’t tell.” She stated it was the best 11 years, 11 months and 14 days of her life.
Christe plans to get her Associates Degree in Criminal Law using the G.I. Bill.
Christe was an asset to our country and she is an asset to this facility. FULL SPEED AHEAD, CHRISTE.

Pat Cychosz
Lt. Cychosz joined the Navy in 1973 for career and education opportunities, retiring after 20 years as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his 20 years of Navy Service, Pat served on four ships and on both the East and West coasts. He has been to places of which most people only dream. He has been to most of the countries in the Mediterranean Sea. Via the North Sea, he went to Germany and Norway. He has visited Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. Lt. Cychosz has many wonderful memories of the places he has been and, of course, there are some that, though memorable, are not too wonderful. He has swam in the Indian Ocean in water so warm and buoyant you did not really have to swim. He has walked the decks in the Arctic Circle where the water in the bilges froze. It was a great life and he has never regretted any of it.
Pat says one of his most memorable experiences was meeting the actress Ann Margaret. She was aboard the USS John Paul Jones DDG-32, a guided missile destroyer, to do a photo shoot for a motorcycle advertisement.
Lt. Pat Cychosz has so many wonderful stories and memories of his time in the military. OSP would like Pat to know that we are proud of you and proud to have you at OSP.

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