Summary
Citizens Advisory Board members summarized July focus-group feedback from detained men and women who said bed bugs and mice are largely resolved, food quality and portions vary, canteen prices are high, weekend showers are limited and access to timely medical and mental-health care remains a concern. The board moved to receive the report 5–0.
Board members presented verbatim feedback gathered July 18 from focus groups with men and women detained at the Oklahoma County Detention Center, reporting improvements in some areas and continuing concerns in others.
The men told the board that food quality has improved but is sometimes “rushed,” that portions vary and that meals include “a lot of bread and a lot of carbohydrates.” They said canteen items are overpriced, that tablet devices sometimes do not work and that routine out‑of‑cell time during weekdays is valued; they asked for more recreation time and weekend showers. The men also said “access to quality of mental health care and physical health services are lacking” and suggested more staff training to assist people with addiction.
Women in the focus group reported similar themes: inconsistent breakfast options, a desire for more fresh fruit and vegetables and problems with access to hygiene items, razors and toilet paper. They said bed‑bug and mouse problems have improved — “bed bugs are no longer an issue” — but asked for more frequent clothing and sheet changes, in‑person family visits where feasible, and additional programs such as parenting classes, recovery meetings and reentry courses. Both groups said access to medical care can be slow or delayed, and several residents expressed frustration with the process for appearing in court, missing meals when moved for court and cleanliness in holding areas.
Chair Chris Steele emphasized long‑running focus‑group work: the board has convened these sessions for nearly three years, and while bed‑bug complaints have largely disappeared, medical‑care problems and canteen pricing remain recurring issues. Director Greg Timmons acknowledged improvements in some areas and agreed to provide additional information. Board member Jimmy Durant (who works with SSM Health Saint Anthony Hospital) and others urged the board to pursue follow‑up on medical delays and the commissary pricing.
The board voted 5–0 to receive the July focus‑group report and asked staff to provide a commissary price sheet and additional detail about medical request processes and response times.
