More Money Needed For The State's Prisons

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Department of Corrections Director Justin Jones says Oklahoma's overcrowded prison system needs to build space for at least 2,500 more inmates. He also says the system will need

Thursday, September 13th 2007, 5:46 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Department of Corrections Director Justin Jones says Oklahoma's overcrowded prison system needs to build space for at least 2,500 more inmates. He also says the system will need $36 million in supplemental funding just to keep running before the Corrections Department gets its next budget from the state Legislature.

Jones told Associated Press news executives Wednesday that the prison system is at 98% capacity.

Many state prisons are old and need repairs to roofs, sewers and boilers.

The turnover rate for guards is high, with 57% leaving in their first 18 months on the job.