OK Rep. calls for investigation into Department of Corrections

Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he received a request from Humphrey in May 2023 to investigate and did. The investigation concluded some of the allegations lacked merit. Of the allegations that had merit, only one had enough evidence to move forward with prosecution. Prosecution was referred to the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, whom declined to do so because of a lack of victim cooperation and independent corroboration.

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.