Who Investigates County Jail Deaths in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the investigation of deaths occurring in county jails involves multiple agencies.  We list some below.

Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH): The OSDH’s Detention Program is responsible for inspecting city and county detention facilities. They handle complaints and conduct investigations into various issues, including inmate deaths. Complaints can be submitted in writing, emailed, faxed, or mailed directly to their office. While anonymous complaints are accepted, providing detailed information aids in effective investigations.

• Mailing Address: Oklahoma State Department of Health
  Detention Program
  123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
  Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

• Fax: (405) 900-7575

• Phone: (405) 426-8170

• Complaint Form and Procedure: Available on the OSDH website.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI): The OSBI may become involved in investigations, especially if foul play is suspected. It works with local law enforcement to provide expertise in criminal investigations.

• Tipline: 1-800-522-8017

• Email: tips@osbi.ok.gov

• Facebook Page: Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner: The medical examiner’s office determines the cause and manner of death for people who die under sudden, unexpected, or suspicious circumstances, including those in Oklahoma jails. The medical examiner’s findings are crucial for investigations and potential legal proceedings.

Specific procedures for jail death investigations and involved agencies may vary depending on the county and the circumstances surrounding the death. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should contact the relevant county sheriff’s office or detention center.  Or, a jail death attorney might be able to help. For instance, in the case of a death at the Oklahoma County Jail, the Oklahoma County Detention Center should initiate an internal investigation and may collaborate with external agencies as needed.

• Oklahoma County Detention Center:
  • Phone: (405) 713-1910
  • Address: 201 N. Shartel Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Written By: Dean Malone

Dean Malone

Dean Malone is the founder of Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., a jail neglect civil rights law firm. Mr. Malone earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, and from Baylor University School of Law with a general civil litigation concentration. Mr. Malone served in several staff positions for the Baylor Law Review, including executive editor. Mr. Malone is an experienced trial lawyer, trying a number of cases to jury verdict and also handling arbitrations through final hearing. He heads the jail neglect section of his law firm, in which lawyers litigate cases involving serious injury and death resulting from jail neglect and abuse. Lawyers frequently refer cases to Mr. Malone due to his focus on this very complicated civil rights practice area.