Key Takeaways:
- The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has released data on contraband seized in state facilities, with an estimated value of $18.6 million.
- The department is facing challenges in staffing, with a significant amount of contraband seized by ODOC staff or the Office of the Inspector General.
- Synthetic cannabinoids, known as K2, have been found to be a major issue, with 92 or 93 dosage units on one piece of paper.
- Cell phones are highly valued inside prison walls, with over 6,700 phones confiscated in 2025, and can sell for anywhere from $2,000 to $500.
- The department is considering cell phone jamming and disabling drones as potential solutions to combat contraband.
- Implementing new technology in corrections is a slow process due to planning and budget uncertainties.
Introduction to Contraband in Oklahoma Prisons
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has released data on contraband seized in state facilities, highlighting the challenges posed by drugs, cell phones, and weapons. The estimated value of the seized contraband is around $18.6 million. According to Jason Sparks, chief of operations for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, staffing remains a significant challenge, with all contraband seized by ODOC staff or the Office of the Inspector General. Sparks noted that it’s difficult working inside a prison, and not a lot of people want to do it.
The Prevalence of Contraband in Oklahoma Prisons
The department has reported a greater presence of synthetic cannabinoids, known as K2, with 92 or 93 dosage units on one piece of eight and a half by eleven paper. These dosage units can sell for about $5 each, highlighting the significant value of contraband inside prison walls. In addition to K2, cell phones are also highly valued, with over 6,700 phones confiscated in 2025. The value of cell phones inside prison walls is significantly higher than outside, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $500, depending on the type of phone and its availability.
The Economy of Contraband
Inmates can earn money through prison jobs and programs, but the elevated value of contraband creates an economy and debt, which fuels violence. According to Sparks, for someone to get $5 in debt to someone inside a prison, it’s a substantial amount of money, and that’s where violence comes from. The department is working to address these issues, but it’s a complex problem. The contraband creates a cycle of debt and violence, making it challenging to combat.
Solutions to Combat Contraband
To address these issues, the department is considering cell phone jamming and disabling drones as potential solutions. However, Sparks noted that implementing new technology in corrections is a slow process due to planning and budget uncertainties. The department has to plan out the implementation of new technology, and it can take several years. Additionally, the budget process is uncertain, making it difficult to predict what the budget will be from year to year.
Challenges in Implementing New Technology
The department is facing challenges in implementing new technology, including cell phone jamming and disabling drones. While these solutions have the potential to combat contraband, the process of implementing them is slow and uncertain. The department has to navigate the complexities of planning and budgeting, making it difficult to predict when these solutions will be implemented. Despite these challenges, the department is committed to finding ways to combat contraband and reduce the violence and debt associated with it.
Arrests and Seizures
In 2025, the department reported 83 arrests related to contraband, including 42 visitors and 14 staff members. The seizures included multiple pounds of drugs, cell phones, and weapons, with an estimated value of $18.6 million. The department is working to address the issue of contraband, but it’s a complex problem that requires a multifaceted approach. The department is committed to finding ways to combat contraband and reduce the violence and debt associated with it.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is facing significant challenges in combating contraband in state facilities. The department has released data on contraband seized, highlighting the value of contraband inside prison walls. The department is considering cell phone jamming and disabling drones as potential solutions, but implementing new technology is a slow process. The department is committed to finding ways to combat contraband and reduce the violence and debt associated with it. By addressing the issue of contraband, the department can work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for inmates and staff.
