Joseph Harp Correctional Center (JHCC) is a medium-security prison for men located in Lexington, Oklahoma. It was named after Joseph Harp, who served as the Oklahoma State Reformatory warden from 1949 to 1969. During his tenure, he established the nation’s first fully accredited high school education program in a prison. JHCC opened in 1978 on the site of a World War II-era U.S. Navy firing range and currently houses more than 1,300 inmates.
Operated by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, JHCC is responsible for the custody, care, and treatment of its inmates. The facility houses a diverse group of individuals, including mental health, delayed-sentence, and youthful inmates. In addition to providing basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, JHCC offers educational and vocational programs, counseling, and substance abuse treatment to help inmates prepare for successful reentry into society. Visitation hours vary by each facility, and an inmate’s security level dictates how many hours he or she may visit with approved visitors.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,378 |
| Physical Address | 16161 Moffat Rd., Lexington, OK 73051-0548 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 548, Lexington, OK 73051-0548 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 405-527-5593 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location
Joseph Harp Correctional Center is located in Lexington, Oklahoma, on the site of a World War II-era U.S. Navy firing range. The facility is situated in a rural area, surrounded by farmland and rolling hills. The center is approximately 35 miles south of Oklahoma City, the state capital, and about 100 miles north of the Texas border.
The facility is easily accessible by car, as it is located just off Interstate 35. Visitors coming from out of town can find a variety of lodging options in nearby towns such as Norman or Purcell. There are also several restaurants and stores within a short driving distance of the center.
The location of JHCC in a rural area provides a sense of isolation and security for the inmates, while also allowing them to participate in agriculture-related work programs. The facility is surrounded by a double fence with razor wire, and the perimeter is patrolled by armed guards. This level of security ensures the safety of the public, staff, and inmates.
Overall, the location of JHCC provides a safe and secure environment for inmates to serve their sentences while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reentry into society.
Facility
Joseph Harp Correctional Center is a medium-security prison for male inmates located in Lexington, Oklahoma. The facility was opened in 1978 on the site of a World War II-era U.S. Navy firing range. JHCC is named after Joseph Harp, who was an Oklahoma State Reformatory warden from 1949 to 1969. Under his leadership, the nation’s first fully accredited high school education program in a correctional facility was established.
Security Levels
JHCC is a medium-security facility that houses inmates with security levels ranging from Level 1 to Level 4. Inmates with Level 1 and Level 2 security are housed in dormitory-style housing units, while those with Level 3 and Level 4 security are housed in cell blocks.
Capacity
The facility has a capacity of 1,378 inmates and is currently operating at near capacity. The majority of inmates at JHCC are serving sentences for drug offenses, property crimes, and violent crimes.
Mental Health Unit
JHCC has a mental health unit that provides treatment to inmates with mental health issues. The unit is staffed by mental health professionals who are trained to provide a range of services, including counseling, medication management, and crisis intervention.
Education and Job Skills
JHCC offers a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates develop job skills and improve their chances of success upon release. Inmates can earn high school diplomas or GEDs, and can also participate in vocational training programs in areas such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair.
Programs
JHCC offers a variety of programs designed to help inmates address the underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration. These programs include the Delayed Sentence Program, which allows eligible inmates to delay their sentence while they participate in treatment programs, and the Moral Reconation Therapy program, which is designed to help inmates develop moral reasoning skills. The facility also offers a Youthful Offender Program for inmates who were under the age of 25 at the time of their offense.
Visitation
Joseph Harp Correctional Center allows inmates to receive visitors as a way to maintain connections with their families and friends. Visitors must follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
Visiting Hours
Visitation hours at JHCC vary depending on the inmate’s security level. Visitors are encouraged to check with the facility for specific visiting hours.
Level 1 – One hour per week starting at 9 a.m. Fridays
Level 2 – Two hours per week, Saturdays and Sundays
Level 3 – Four hours per week starting at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Level 4 – Six hours per week starting at 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Holidays: On state-recognized holidays, visiting hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Visitation Rules
Check-in begins typically at 8:30 a.m. To enter, visitors must arrive 1 1/2 hours before visitation is over. Visitors who’ve left visitation during count time (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) may not re-enter until the count clears.
Protective Measures
Visitors must pass through a security checkpoint before entering the facility. This includes metal detectors and a search of personal belongings. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting area, including cell phones, purses, or cameras. Visitors are also subject to pat-down searches.
Sending Money and Mail
Inmates at JHCC can receive money orders through the mail. The money order should be made out to the inmate’s name, and the sender’s name and address should be included. Inmates can also receive mail, but there are restrictions on what can be sent. Letters and photos are generally allowed, but visitors should check with the facility for specific guidelines.
JPay is also available for sending money to inmates. Visitors can set up an account with JPay and send money online or over the phone. There is a fee for using JPay, and visitors should check with the facility for specific guidelines.
Overall, visitors to Joseph Harp Correctional Center should be aware of the rules and regulations before arriving. By following these guidelines, visitors can help maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.