Tulsa Jail sees redemption in mental health facility set to open next month
Tulsa WorldMar 29, 2017
A high-profile shooting, allegations of sexual misconduct, confused finances and a
So it is that just a little extra eagerness accompanies the opening in mid-April of the jail's mental health pods. The one-of-a-kind facility, said administrator
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The mental health pods, part of a
"It was built to promote mental health," Robinette said. "from the colors of the paint to the airy, open spaces and the skylights, everything was done with mental health in mind."
Up to 40 percent of
That determination will be made on an individual basis, using a set of criteria that is still being finalized. Robinette said those with mental health diagnoses, but who are nevertheless stable, will be kept in the general population.
Those sent to the mental health pods will be assigned to one of four levels. Level 1 will be those on active suicide watch, and will receive particular attention. Level 2 will be inmates not considered suicidal, but who have uncontrolled behaviors.
Level 3 will be a "transitional" level for inmates whose symptoms seem to be controlled, but who require further observation.
Level 4 is a "dormitory-style" floor that can hold up to 80 prisoners who have shown themselves to be little or no threat to themselves or others.
Besides the trained detention officers, the mental health pod will also have a registered nurse with mental health experience on duty at all times, and the jail psychiatrist and psychologist will office in the pod.
Robinette said inmates with mental health problems typically stay in the jail four times longer than other inmates, so the idea is to not only treat them on-site, but to help them remain in treatment once they're released.
Working with health care provider Turn Key and community agencies such as Mental Health Association Oklahoma, the jail is trying to develop a network that will, over the long term, reduce the number of mentally ill people turning up at the jail more or less by default.
"The longer we say, 'See you,' and just release them, the longer we'll continue to see them back in the jail," Robinette said.