Demand Change in Oklahoma’s Most Inhumane Criminal Justice Institution.
Since it’s construction, the Oklahoma County Jail has been problematic. People held there are frequently denied healthcare (which has lead to several preventable deaths), they hold minors in unsuitable conditions, including solitary confinement and the building is riddled with problems like black mold and regular lengthy stretched of time without water (and other problems). To make matters even more dire, this facility forces people who have not yet had their day in court to buy their freedom in the form of bail payments. The vast majority of people held inside have not been convicted of a crime.
Because keeping families together, and dignity for all are core tenants of reproductive justice, we have joined a coalition to demand better conditions at the Oklahoma County Jail. Building on momentum from a large New Years Day demonstration we are calling for the public to put pressure on jail administrators to make meaningful change.
The Oklahoma County Jail Trust meets Monday at 1 pm and after chronic inaction over the inhumane condition inside the jail, we are using this opportunity to pressure the Trust. Please call anytime Monday and ask for accountability. Here’s what you can say- improvise freely:
Make a Phone Call:
The Jail: (405) 713-1000
Sheriff Taylor’s office: (405)713-1000
You may say you have a loved one incarcerated if you feel comfortable doing so, and if pressed for details, decline and tell them you are keeping their identity private.
Ask the Jail Questions:
Water- Is the water on in the jail right now? I’ve heard the pipes have broken before and the water gets shut off for over a week. What do inmates do for drinking water when that happens? Do you have bottled water right now in case that happens again? How do inmates bathe if that happens?
Mold- There’s a problem with mold in the jail. What are you doing about that? When will it be solved? Is there mold in the food? Is there mold in the drinking water? Aren’t they breathing it in? What are you doing to make sure inmates don’t get sick?
Juveniles- You have juveniles in the jail. How many would you say are in there? What age range? How many are in solitary confinement?
Report Back:
Post to the demonstration event page what you learn or message us with the information if you have the time to follow up. The goal is pressure, so the calls alone are very helpful! But sharing what your interactions were like is even more helpful!
Thanks for your dedication to solving the crisis inside the Oklahoma County Jail!