Normalcy returns

Visitation is reinstated this weekend at Lexington Assessment & Reception Center’s Minimum Security Unit.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections announced the easing of restrictions in a press release on Friday.

The return to normal daytime operations is in effect at nine minimum-security prisons, four minimum units and the state’s only medium-security women’s prison to normal daytime operations.

Visitation will also be permitted at all community corrections centers.

The facilities have resumed normal operations from approximately 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, and enter controlled movement at night.

From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the facilities are under controlled movement, which allows greater inmate freedom of movement on prison grounds than lockdown while also helping staff limit inmate activity to prevent violence.

All facilities were placed on lockdown September 15 after fights between rival gangs erupted at six prisons in 24 hours.

Those fights left 36 inmates injured and one dead.

Remaining state facilities continue to be locked down until further notice to protect staff and inmates. Visitation is also not reinstated at those facilities.

If any disturbance arises at any facility, ODOC reserves the right to return to the statewide lockdown to keep inmates and staff safe.