Payne County Jail-Behind the Walls

Jail BarsPhoto bySaad ChaudhryonUnsplash

Located in downtown Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Payne County Jail, which houses 404 inmates, serves as more than just a correctional facility. Within its walls, alongside those charged or convicted of local crimes, it accommodates Federal Prisoners and Drug Court participants undergoing sanctions for various dockets.

In a recent inquiry, we delved into the experiences of a Drug Court participant within the facility. Here's what we uncovered:

Residents find themselves in a structured routine, spending 23 hours confined to their cells and allotted 1 hour for recreation, showers, and exercise. This time also doubles as an opportunity to make phone calls using wall phones within the main pod. Sharing cells with three other individuals, they sleep on mats enclosed in plastic covers to deter pests.

Each cell is equipped with a tablet provided by CityTeleCoin, offering access to entertainment and communication services at a cost. Texting, picture messaging, and video calls come at a premium, while commissary items can be purchased through the same system, though limited for drug court violators with shorter stays.

Meals, served thrice daily, consist of hearty portions with acceptable quality. From breakfast staples like grits or oatmeal with toast to dinner offerings of spaghetti, the fare may not be gourmet but is deemed sufficient by inmates.

Notably, the jail accommodates residents' prescription medications upon intake, with staff responsible for distribution as per the label. For Drug Court participants facing incarceration, bringing prescribed medications to court is advised.

Despite operating at or above capacity, recent interviews with residents have not raised significant concerns about conditions within the Payne County Jail, located at 600 S. Husband, Stillwater, OK 74074.