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| Adding beds isn't enough to address Oklahoma prison overcrowding, experts say |
| By newsok.com- Jennifer Palmer |
| Published: 10/27/2015 |
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Squeezing extra bunk beds into prisons is temporarily addressing the state's overcrowded prisons, but the Corrections Department wants lawmakers to come up with sustainable solutions to stem the tide of offenders coming into the system. With state facilities already at 112 percent capacity, the department is bracing for a predicted net growth of 800 offenders this fiscal year. In recent months the department spent $2 million to purchase additional contract beds at a private prison and in county jails as well as extra bunk beds and mattresses for state facilities, spokeswoman Terri Watkins told a group of legislators and industry stakeholders at an interim study on prison overcrowding held Wednesday at the state Capitol. But overcrowding will continue to be a problem until major changes are made to reduce the inflow of people sentenced to prison, Director Robert Patton said in a statement. Lawmakers are formulating proposals for the coming Legislative session, which begins Feb. 1. Read More. |
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