County jails are inadequate holding facilities for those with long-term criminal sentences, Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Robert Patton said Wednesday during an interim study.
A report prepared by House staffer Joshua Maxey said the daily required payment by the DOC to the counties is $27 per day plus medical costs for each inmate.
The total money paid by the DOC in fiscal year 2013, he said, was $26.3 million. The costs covered 1,700 inmates currently awaiting transfer to DOC facilities.
As of this month, there is a backlog of 240 inmates.
The House Appropriation and Budget Committee’s hearing on Interim Study H14-072 was called by Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus, to examine prisoner transfers from county jails to DOC facilities.
-----
KGOU relies on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
