Okaloosa Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Crestview, Florida. The facility is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 1,174 inmates. The institution houses adult male offenders with a variety of custody levels, from minimum to maximum security.
Okaloosa Correctional Institution has been the subject of several physical and mental health surveys conducted by the Correctional Medical Authority (CMA). In 2019, the CMA conducted an on-site survey of the institution and distributed a corrective action plan assessment report in May 2020. The report identified areas of concern related to the physical and mental health of inmates and provided recommendations for improvement.
Similarly, in 2016, the CMA conducted a physical and mental health survey of the institution and distributed a survey report in March of that year. The report identified deficiencies in the provision of medical care and mental health services to inmates.
In addition to health concerns, Okaloosa Correctional Institution has also faced legal challenges. In 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States received a petition for a writ of certiorari from an inmate at the institution. The inmate was seeking review of a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit denying his application for a certificate of appealability. The inmate had filed a 28 U.S.C. ยง 2254 petition for writ of habeas corpus in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida challenging his conviction and sentence. The district court dismissed the petition, and the Eleventh Circuit denied the inmate’s application for a certificate of appealability.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,174 |
| Physical Address | 3189 Colonel Greg Malloy Road Crestview, Florida 32539-6708 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (850) 682-0931 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Okaloosa Correctional Institution
Okaloosa Correctional Institution (OKACI) is a state prison located in Crestview, Florida. The facility was established in 1997 and is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections.
Before the construction of OKACI, the Department of Corrections leased the facility from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The previous facility had a capacity of 160 inmates, but it was inadequate to meet the growing needs of the state’s prison system.
In 1995, the Florida Legislature approved funding for the construction of a new facility, and the Okaloosa Correctional Institution was built on a 40-acre site. The new facility had a capacity of 1,000 inmates and was designed to house minimum to medium-security inmates.
Since its opening, OKACI has undergone several expansions to meet the increasing demand for prison space in the state. In 2005, a new 256-bed annex was added to the facility, and in 2011, a new 1,500-bed work camp was built adjacent to the main facility.
Over the years, OKACI has faced several challenges related to the health and safety of its inmates. In 2016 and 2019, the Correctional Medical Authority conducted on-site physical and mental health surveys of OKACI. The surveys identified several areas of concern, including inadequate staffing levels, insufficient medical care, and poor sanitation. The CMA issued corrective action plans to address these issues and improve the quality of care provided to inmates at OKACI.
Despite these challenges, OKACI remains an important part of Florida’s prison system and continues to play a vital role in the state’s efforts to maintain public safety and reduce recidivism rates.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Okaloosa Correctional Institution (OKACI) is a maximum-security state prison located in Crestview, Florida. The facility consists of a Main Unit and a Work Camp, which can house up to 1,174 adult male inmates. In addition to the Main Unit and Work Camp, OKACI also has a medical unit, a mental health unit, and an administrative building.
The Main Unit is a two-story building that houses general population inmates, while the Work Camp is a separate facility that houses inmates assigned to work crews. The Work Camp also has a separate dining hall, recreation yard, and chapel.
The medical unit is staffed by licensed medical professionals and provides a range of medical services to inmates, including routine medical care, dental care, and mental health services. The mental health unit provides mental health treatment and counseling to inmates who require it.
OKACI has a number of recreational facilities, including a gymnasium, weight room, and outdoor recreation yard. Inmates can participate in a variety of recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, and softball.
The facility also has a visitation center for family and friends of inmates. Visitors are subject to a search and must follow strict rules and regulations while on the premises.
Overall, OKACI has a well-maintained and modern infrastructure that provides a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, including video surveillance and electronic door locks.
Inmate Population
According to a Florida Monthly Department of Report, Okaloosa Correctional Institution had an average daily population of 624 inmates in the 1992-93 fiscal year. The institution’s inmate population has fluctuated over the years. As of the latest available data, the inmate population at Okaloosa Correctional Institution is not publicly available.
Okaloosa Correctional Institution is a state prison that houses adult male inmates. The facility has a rated capacity of 1,174 beds, according to the same Florida Monthly Department of Report. The institution provides programs and services to help inmates transition back to their communities, such as educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Inmates at Okaloosa Correctional Institution are classified based on their security level and custody status. The facility houses inmates with security levels ranging from minimum to close custody. Inmates with minimum security levels may be eligible for work release programs or community supervision. Inmates with close custody levels require more supervision and may be confined to their cells for longer periods of time.
Overall, the inmate population at Okaloosa Correctional Institution is subject to change based on various factors, such as sentencing laws, crime rates, and state budget allocations.
Rehabilitation Programs
Okaloosa Correctional Institution (OKACI) offers several rehabilitation programs to help inmates reduce recidivism and improve their chances of successful re-entry into society. These programs aim to improve the inmates’ behaviors, skills, mental health, social functioning, and access to education and employment.
One such program is the Faith and Character-Based Residential Program (FCBP), which is open to male and female medium, minimum, close, and community custody-level inmates. This program promotes pro-social behavior by offering programming that encourages inmates to change their behavior and become better citizens. The program emphasizes the importance of faith, character development, and community service.
Another program at OKACI is the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program. This program is designed to help inmates develop cognitive and behavioral skills that will help them avoid criminal behavior in the future. The program teaches inmates how to recognize and change their negative thought patterns and behaviors, which can lead to criminal behavior.
OKACI also offers vocational training programs to help inmates gain skills and knowledge that will help them find employment after release. These programs include welding, carpentry, and automotive repair. Inmates who participate in these programs can earn certifications that will make them more attractive to potential employers.
Overall, OKACI’s rehabilitation programs aim to help inmates become productive members of society and reduce recidivism. By offering a variety of programs that address different areas of need, OKACI provides inmates with the tools they need to succeed after release.
Security Measures
Okaloosa Correctional Institution is a state prison in Florida that houses male inmates of minimum, medium, and close custody levels. The facility is divided into a Main Unit and a Work Camp. The Main Unit is a secure facility that houses inmates in close custody, while the Work Camp is a minimum-security facility that houses inmates in minimum and medium custody.
OKACI has implemented several security measures to ensure the safety of its staff and inmates. These measures include:
- Perimeter Security: The prison has a secure perimeter that is monitored by armed correctional officers and surveillance cameras. The perimeter is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the facility and to detect and deter any attempts to escape.
- Cell Searches: Correctional officers conduct regular searches of inmate cells to ensure that no contraband items, such as weapons or drugs, are being kept by inmates.
- Inmate Movement Control: Inmate movement within the facility is closely monitored and controlled by correctional officers. Inmates are only allowed to move within designated areas of the facility, and their movements are tracked by correctional officers.
- Staff Training: Correctional officers at OKACI undergo extensive training to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain a safe and secure facility. This training includes self-defense, crisis management, and emergency response.
- Visitor Screening: Visitors to the facility are screened for contraband items and must go through a metal detector before entering the facility. Visitors are also required to provide identification and are subject to a background check.
Overall, OKACI has implemented a range of security measures to ensure the safety of its staff and inmates. These measures are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain effective in deterring and preventing security threats.
Controversies and Issues
Okaloosa Correctional Institution has been the subject of several controversies and issues over the years. One of the major concerns is the lack of proper mental health care provided to inmates. In 2019, the Correctional Medical Authority conducted an on-site physical and mental health survey of OKACI. The survey revealed that there were several problems with the mental health care provided to inmates, including inadequate staffing, lack of training, and poor record-keeping. The CMA recommended corrective action to address these issues.
Another issue that has plagued OKACI is the shortage of qualified staff. The corrections sector relies on qualified, trained, and dedicated staff for effective, professional operations. However, OKACI has been struggling to recruit and retain qualified staff. This has resulted in severe workforce challenges that directly impact mission performance. Correctional administrators are grappling with staff recruitment, selection, and retention.
OKACI has also faced legal and constitutional issues. In 2016, the CMA conducted an on-site assessment of OKACI and found that in five jail records, problems were not listed on the problem list. In three records, there was a lack of documentation that the inmate received the mental health interventions. These issues raise concerns about the quality of care provided to inmates.
Furthermore, OKACI has faced harassment allegations from the staff. In one case, a female officer alleged that she was subjected to gender-based harassment by the Warden of the institution. The case went to court, and the court affirmed that the officer’s complaints of a hostile work environment and of retaliation were valid.
In conclusion, OKACI has faced several controversies and issues over the years. These issues range from inadequate mental health care to staff shortages, legal and constitutional issues, and harassment allegations. The institution needs to take corrective action to address these issues and ensure that the inmates receive proper care and that the staff work in a safe and healthy environment.