The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has added new restrictions for members of the media visiting prisons, two weeks after the agency announced a ban on cameras for news media.
The department posted an addendum this week to its media access policies on the agency's website. The new policy requires the department to grant specific authorization in advance for video or audio recording.
According to the Tulsa World the policy is a departure from past practices, when reporters, photographers and videographers could bring equipment into the prison after going through security checks.
New department director Robert Patton says the policy change ensures that proper security is provided when members of the media visit the prisons.
---------------------
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
