CELL RENOVATION PROJECT
UNDERWAY AT THE JAIL

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 24, 2023) – Oklahoma County Detention Center staff are renovating cells at the jail to provide a safer and cleaner environment. The administration’s recent efforts to manage the population correctly, allowed the jail to close an entire pod to begin renovations. This effort will provide a cleaner, brighter and safer environment for detainees and staff. The project includes painting walls, fixing broken lights and repaired holes. The effort began on the fourth floor. After careful research and consultation with local restoration companies, maintenance staff removed the dirt and grime from the walls and completely sealed the concrete to prevent further issues. The staff also painted the walls which seals up the pores of the concrete to help prevent bedbugs and other pests from hiding or nesting in the walls as easily. This gives the cell a fresh appearance which provides many benefits to detainees and staff. The cells will be brighter thus easier to ensure cleanliness and sanitation. Brighter cells are more reflective, which corrects any deficiencies related to the required foot candle requirement. This makes it easier to look inside of cells, particularly during sleeping hours. Damages will be easier to observe, and detainees will be held accountable for any damage. “These efforts will improve the quality of life for our detainees by providing a brighter, cleaner living environment,” said Brandi Garner, CEO of the Oklahoma County Detention Center. “The expectation is better mental health versus being housed in a dark, dungeon-like cell. This is what right looks like.” The renovation project is ongoing.