OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the future of the Oklahoma County Detention Center, the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority, also known as the Jail Trust, has announced new leadership. Paul Timmons has been appointed as the acting jail director, effective immediately.
The announcement came after a closed-door executive session, just days following the resignation of former CEO Brandi Garner. Timmons, who brings decades of experience in law enforcement and management, takes the helm at a time when the detention center has faced heightened scrutiny due to a series of issues, including an alarming number of deaths within its walls.
Timmons has an extensive background, having previously served as the jail’s chief of personnel and administration. He also worked as the chief of investigations before joining the detention center. Prior to his tenure with the jail, Timmons had a long career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
In a statement, Timmons acknowledged the serious challenges facing the jail. “I know about the challenges that the jail faces and, you know, I’m not going to run from those challenges. We’re going to try and adjust those challenges day by day and just try to make it better over there than what it has been in the past or what people think that they know about the jail,” he said.
Moving forward, Timmons expressed his commitment to bringing structure and accountability to the facility, areas that many have pointed to as major concerns. His approach will focus on creating a more transparent and organized environment, though many have questioned whether such changes will be enough to address the underlying issues that have plagued the detention center for years.
Attendees at the meeting were vocal in their concerns, with many questioning whether new leadership could truly resolve what they see as a deeply flawed system. Mark Faulk, a representative of the People’s Council for Justice Reform, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “You have failed in three years, 54 deaths — that is all that needs to be said.”
The criticism reflects ongoing frustration with the detention center’s management, especially regarding the high number of inmate deaths. Some attendees suggested that the sheriff’s office should regain control over the facility, a sentiment echoed by Christopher Johnston, who said, “Mr. Sheriff Johnson, we need you man, we need you, this is a dumpster fire, this is a joke.”
Others, such as Timothy Jones, who has visited the jail numerous times, expressed fear for those incarcerated within. “I have been in that jail probably over 30 times. I know what it’s like, I’m scared every time I go to that jail,” Jones said.
Despite these criticisms, Steven Buck, vice chairperson of the Jail Trust, acknowledged the concerns raised during the meeting. He reiterated the need for reform but also emphasized the challenges of navigating the complex issues at hand.
As the new acting director, Timmons faces an uphill battle to restore public trust and address the systemic issues within the jail. While some hope his leadership will bring about necessary changes, the question remains: can he overcome the deeply ingrained problems within the Oklahoma County Detention Center, or will the calls for more drastic reform grow louder?
