VISITS TO MODERN JAILS HIGHLIGHT INNOVATION IN DESIGN AND PARTNERSHIPS
In the ongoing process of planning and selecting a site for the new Oklahoma County Detention Center (OCDC), the recently appointed architects from HOK organized tours of two modern jails in Nashville and Wichita Falls. These visits were instrumental in shaping the vision for the new detention center and honed in on key elements that are needed in the new facility: 1. Ample natural light: The incorporation of natural light in the resident pods and behavioral health center promotes a healthier environment. 2. Direct Supervision pod design: This creates pods that encourage positive resident behavior by providing access to programming and minimizing time spent in cells. 3. Secured outdoor areas: Allows residents access to secure outdoor spaces directly from their pods, enhancing their overall well-being. 4. Specialized medical/behavioral health care: By designing dedicated spaces tailored for medical and behavioral health care services, it ensures specialized and efficient support. 5. Improved staff working conditions: Focus on creating a better work environment for the staff, recognizing their crucial role in the facility’s operation.
These visits offered valuable insights, especially from the Davidson County detention center in Nashville, where innovative approaches to justice-related services were observed. Notably, the partnership between Davidson County and the City of Nashville in resource sharing resulted in streamlined services, and the detention center incorporated designated areas for the DA’s office, defense attorneys and magistrates. This model expedited diversion program decisions – a crucial aspect mirrored in OCDC’s design considerations. Looking ahead, the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Advisory Board, responsible for overseeing jail construction, will collaborate with the chosen construction company and the architect. Their immediate focus will be the construction of the new medical and behavioral health center, driven by the urgency of meeting the December 2024 deadline for federal funding encumbrance. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the advisory board will maintain active engagement, providing guidance to architects and construction managers. The advisory board will also make necessary recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to the development of the new detention center, incorporating the best practices observed during these informative site visits.
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