FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 20, 2025

Oklahoma City, OK - The Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners today approved the sale of bonds to fund the start of construction on the new Oklahoma County Detention Center. District 3 Commissioner Myles Davidson, Chairman of the Board, voiced strong support for this decisive action — calling it an investment in safety, efficiency, and the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

"This vote is about more than bricks and mortar," Commissioner Davidson said. "It's about making sure our county has a secure, well-managed facility that upholds the rule of law, protects the public, and ensures that those in our custody are managed in a way that reflects both accountability and common sense."

The new detention center will replace an outdated and costly facility with a modern, multi-functional complex that improves efficiency and safety. It will feature direct access to the Behavioral Care Center, allowing inmates with psychiatric or behavioral health needs to be assessed and treated more quickly — reducing repeated law enforcement encounters and lowering long-term costs to taxpayers.

Commissioner Davidson underscored that the bond sale is a necessary and fiscally responsible step to move forward with a facility that meets today's security standards, enhances safety for staff, and delivers better results for the community.

"This is a vital step to streamline our intake and release process - reducing a system that currently takes days to one that takes only hours," Commissioner Davidson said. "This saves taxpayer money, reduces strain on law enforcement, and keeps our focus on public safety."

Plans include the CARE Center - the Center for Assessment and Re-Entry — a first-in-the-nation facility within the detention center that will house Diversion Assessment, Diversion, and Community Services offices.

This approach will strengthen reentry programming, reduce repeat offenses, and support law-abiding behavior after release.

"By investing in this project, we are investing in law and order, community safety, and the responsible use of taxpayer funds," Davidson said. "This is about accountability, efficiency, and protecting the people of Oklahoma County."

320 ROBERT S. KERR, SUITE 603 • OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73102 • (405) 713-1503