Oklahoma DOC May Close Manned Prison Towers

Oklahoma's Department of Corrections is thinking about doing away with prison towers at six state facilities.

Lexington Correctional Facility Warden Jim Farris says the change is not budget-related. He says new security camera technology is even better than having an armed guard posted in the tower.

Farris says tower's still have “blind spots.” He says having staff members on the ground and not manning the towers frees them up to be more efficient.

“It's hard for people to accept change at times, but change is good to move forward,” he said.

Niki Terry lives a half-mile from the Lexington facility.

“I hope they just keep it safe and secure, not letting the out. I have kids, so I would rather them be safe than sorry,” she said.

A DOC Spokesperson says a final decision should come within the next six months.