The Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority (OCCJA) is sustained by the unwavering commitment of more than 120 dedicated professionals, with detention officers serving as the constant presence at the core of daily operations. OCCJA operates two secure facilities, the Okmulgee County Jail and the Moore Detention Center, which together provide capacity for more than 500 detention beds. Across both facilities, detention officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring the safety, security and care of the individuals housed within them. Regardless of holidays, birthdays, personal milestones or family celebrations, detention officers report for duty, often working long 12-hour shifts to maintain order, accountability and humane treatment. Their presence across both facilities is the backbone of OCCJA’s mission and the foundation upon which all other services operate.
In addition to serving Okmulgee County, OCCJA plays a critical regional role by housing detainees for eight U.S. Marshals districts across six states, as well as several Native American Tribes. This responsibility further underscores the importance of a detention staff that is reliable, professional and consistently present. Many individuals housed at OCCJA are awaiting sentencing and have not been convicted of a crime, making the role of detention officers especially significant. From the Executive Director to the front line, OCCJA shares a unified responsibility to provide safe, respectful and appropriate care to every individual in custody.
Supporting detention operations is a comprehensive medical program led by Health Services Administrator Kay Johnson and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Sheila Powers. Notably, Ms. Powers is the only full-time psychiatric nurse practitioner employed by a jail in the State of Oklahoma, reflecting OCCJA’s commitment to addressing both physical and mental health needs. These collective efforts have contributed to OCCJA’s distinction as the only accredited jail in the State of Oklahoma, a recognition that reflects consistency, professionalism, and adherence to best practices. None of this is possible without the individuals who are present day and night, monitoring housing units, responding to medical needs, managing incidents, and maintaining order regardless of the calendar.
Periods such as holidays underscore the reality of detention work, when officers remain on post while much of the community gathers elsewhere. Their continued presence ensures that individuals in custody are supervised, cared for and treated appropriately. This line of work requires patience, resilience and integrity, and it is carried out quietly and consistently by detention officers who understand the responsibility entrusted to them.
OCCJA acknowledges and deeply appreciates the dedication of its detention officers and staff, whose efforts often occur out of public view. Their professionalism, sacrifice and steady presence do not go unnoticed and remain essential to our ability to operate safely, responsibly and with integrity.
