Walkaways at Oklahoma's lower-level prisons raise security concerns

A string of recent inmate escapes from Oklahoma's lower-level prisons is raising concerns about security protocols and placement policies at rehabilitation-focused facilities.

In less than two weeks, five inmates walked away from community corrections centers or minimum-security facilities – leaving many questioning whether the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) is striking the right balance between rehabilitation and public safety.

“Recently, there have been quite a few, we are not satisfied with that, but it kind of comes in spurts,” Kay Thompson of the Department of Corrections said. "We still believe we are keeping our facilities safe and secure.”

Why Are These Escapes Happening?

The DOC classifies these incidents as "walkaways”- when inmates simply leave lower-security facilities, which are designed for rehabilitation.

Most minimum-security prisons and community corrections centers have no fences, giving offenders nearing the end of their sentences more freedom to prepare for life outside.

"It is always a public safety concern when someone walks away from a prison," said Kay Thompson, DOC chief of public relations. "But these facilities house hundreds of inmates, and only a small percentage walk away."

Who are the Recent Walkaways?

Between late January and February 2025, five inmates escaped:

1. Hunter Bowers — Jackie Brannon Correctional Center (Feb. 20)
2. Jody Patterson — Clara Waters Community Correctional Center (Feb. 17)
3. Justin Turner — Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center (Feb. 14)
4. David James — Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center (Feb. 14)
5. Jeremiah McKinney — Northeast Oklahoma Community Corrections Center (January)

All five were captured within hours or days, with the help of drones, bloodhounds, and local law enforcement.

How Does the DOC Choose Who Gets Minimum Security?

Before placing inmates in lower-security facilities, the DOC evaluates their prison behavior, escape history, felony warrants, and criminal charges. Convictions for sex crimes or crimes against children automatically disqualify offenders.

DOC screening includes:

1. No active Class X misconduct points.
2. No active escape points.
3. No felony detainers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers.
4. No prior or current sex offense in accordance with "Sex and Violent Crime Offender Registration."
5. No current conviction for "Crimes Against Children" (Attachment A).
6. No active felony warrants, applications to revoke, motions to accelerate, or pending charges.

A full list of lower security eligibility can be found here.

In September 2024, the DOC shifted its custody assessment to include behavior and participation in educational programs instead of criminal history alone — part of a broader effort to reduce Oklahoma's recidivism rates.

"We want to provide opportunities for rehabilitation to as many people as possible," Thompson said. "It’s an incentive for inmates to improve their behavior and better prepare for reintegration into society.

Is Public Safety at Risk?

The DOC acknowledged the recent uptick in “walkaways” but emphasizes 95% of the inmates in community programs follow the rules. "We are focused on public safety, but we are also extremely focused on rehabilitation,” Thompson said,” we want them to be successful, and it is our job to help them rehabilitate.”

Walkaways in 2024

There were 16 walkaways in 2024 — 8 from community corrections centers or halfway houses and 8 from minimum-security facilities:

1. Caleb Fountain — Clara Waters Community Corrections Center (December)
2. Gavino Serrano — Clara Waters Community Corrections Center (December)
3. Adam Rushing — Jess Dunn Correctional Center (December)
4. James Lewis — Jackie Brannon Correctional Center (December)
5. Archie Eagle — Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center (November)
6. Deandra Broadstone — Eddie Warrior Correctional Center (November)
7. Douglas Goodson — Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center (November)
8. Lester Hampton — Bridgeway Halfway House (September)
9. Joseph Hensley — Lawton Community Corrections Center (July)
10. Garite Salvatore — Mack Alford Correction Center Minimum Unit (July)
11. Samuel Stevens — Union City Community Corrections Center (June)
12. Anthony Jones — John Lilley Correctional Center (May)
13. Michael Dorociak —Clara Waters Community Corrections Center (April)
14. Jett Green —Northeast Oklahoma Community Corrections Center (January)
15. Charles Murphy — Clara Waters Community Corrections Center (January)
16. Adrian Sample — John Lilley Correctional Center (January)

What Happens When an Inmate Walks Away?

As soon as a walkaway is reported, the DOC issues an Orange Alert — a text notification system that alerts its subscribers. DOC estimates 3,000 people are currently subscribed. The system allows residents to receive alerts specific to nearby facilities.

To sign up, you can text the code for each facility to 77295. A full list of facilities can be found on Orange Alert website.

Will Policies Change?

Corrections officials say the DOC constantly reviews its policies but has no current plans to change its placement criteria.

"If we ever believe public safety is at risk, we'll adjust immediately," Thompson said. "But right now,

To review DOC’s policy for community corrections

To review the DOC’s  custody assessment scale