Chicago, IL asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Education Law and Native American Law for Oklahoma

Q: Is it legal in OKla, at the Hinton prison, to house 8 men in one cell? Can I find out the square footage of these cells?

I want to know the laws and rights of the prisoners, for instance, getting these prisoners in facilities like these access to higher education. My source informed me multiple prisoners die daily, weekly. And that the mandatory body cameras are turned on and off at their leisure. Higher education is proven to decrease in facility crime, and outside of the prison. I'd love to learn how to get these answers in such a secretive and.... dark agenda'd state. Any tips or resources you could provide? Thank you for what you do.

Respectfully,

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In Oklahoma, housing eight men in a single cell at Hinton prison may violate state and federal standards for inmate housing. To find the specific square footage of these cells, you can request this information through the Oklahoma Department of Corrections or file a public records request. Additionally, reviewing the facility’s compliance with regulations can provide insight into whether the current conditions meet legal requirements.

Prisoners have rights that include access to education, which has been shown to reduce facility and external crime rates. You can advocate for higher education programs by connecting with organizations that support inmate education or by reaching out directly to the prison administration. Information about mortality rates and the use of body cameras can often be obtained from official reports or by contacting oversight bodies that monitor prison conditions.

Navigating a system that feels secretive can be challenging, but utilizing resources such as legal aid organizations, prisoner advocacy groups, and public information websites can help you gather the information you need. Additionally, attending public meetings or reaching out to local representatives may provide further assistance in addressing these concerns. Your efforts to seek transparency and improve conditions are important and can make a meaningful difference.

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