Incarceration doesn’t just affect the person serving time in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections; it also affects their family and friends. Maintaining contact with loved ones is an essential part of rehabilitation. That’s why ODOC is excited to announce the creation of a dedicated Visitation Unit that will oversee a new and improved visitation application and scheduling process beginning Dec. 1.

“With the size of our incarcerated population, visitation has always been a cumbersome process for families and ODOC staff,” said ODOC Director Justin Farris. “We heard the complaints and knew we needed a more efficient process to better serve those in our care and their loved ones. By creating this specialized unit, it allows facility staff to focus on their duties and reduces repetitive tasks that interfere with their daily responsibilities.”

ODOC processes approximately 1,200 visitation applications and manages over 7,000 visits each month across all facilities. The high volume highlights why modernizing this process was necessary.

Historically, applying to become an approved visitor was a paper-based process. Applications were mailed to the facility where a loved one was housed and then handled by an ODOC employee along with their other duties, causing delays for both visitors and staff.

Now, potential visitors can complete an online form and upload documents, such as a photo of their driver’s license, with a simple tap. The change not only reduces paper use but also speeds up approval times and enhances efficiency. Paper applications will still be accepted at ODOC’s headquarters in Oklahoma City.

Scheduling and attendance have long been ongoing challenges, with each facility previously managing visitation differently. The new Visitation Unit will help unify procedures across the agency by scheduling visits to all facilities. A team of seven experienced employees will be available Monday through Friday, during normal business hours (excluding holidays), to answer calls, schedule visits and process applications, ensuring the agency delivers the best possible service.

“We know there will be a learning curve with this new process, but we’re committed to improving the visitation experience,” said ODOC Chief of Operations Jason Sparks. “This change will benefit everyone involved, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we refine operations.”

The new Visitation Unit can be contacted at 405-768-3269 starting Dec. 1. For more details, visit oklahoma.gov/ doc/facilities/visitation. html. The Community Outreach unit is also available to answer any other questions families might have and can be reached at 405-4252607 or community.outreach@ doc.ok.gov.