Mack Alford Correctional Center: A Comprehensive Guide to Inmate Support and Resources

Introduction

The Mack Alford Correctional Center, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a medium-security state prison that houses approximately 1,200 inmates. Established in 1991, this facility is named after Mack Alford, a former warden of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Mack Alford Correctional Center, including its history, inmate support services, educational opportunities, and resources for reentry.

History

The Mack Alford Correctional Center was built to alleviate overcrowding at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. The facility opened its doors in 1991 with a capacity of 960 inmates. Over the years, the prison's population has grown, leading to the construction of additional housing units. Today, the Mack Alford Correctional Center is one of the largest prisons in Oklahoma.

Inmate Support Services

The Mack Alford Correctional Center offers a variety of support services to inmates, including:

• Counseling: Inmates can access individual and group counseling services to address mental health and other issues.
• Education: Mack Alford offers a range of educational programs, including GED classes, vocational training, and college courses.
• Medical care: Inmates receive medical care from on-site medical staff. The prison also has a contract with a nearby hospital for specialized care.
• Religious services: Inmates can participate in a variety of religious services, including Christian, Muslim, and Jewish services.
• Vocational training: Mack Alford offers vocational training programs in a variety of fields, including carpentry, welding, and automotive repair.

Educational Opportunities

Mack Alford Correctional Center offers a range of educational opportunities to inmates, including:

• GED classes: Inmates who have not completed high school can earn their GED through the prison's educational program.
• Vocational training: Mack Alford offers vocational training programs in a variety of fields, including carpentry, welding, and automotive repair.
• College courses: Inmates can take college courses through partnerships with local universities.

Resources for Reentry

The Mack Alford Correctional Center provides a variety of resources to help inmates prepare for reentry, including:

• Job training: Inmates can participate in job training programs to develop skills that will help them secure employment upon release.
• Housing assistance: The prison provides assistance to inmates in finding housing after their release.
• Transportation: Inmates can receive assistance with transportation to and from the prison after their release.
• Financial assistance: The prison provides financial assistance to inmates who need help with expenses upon release.

Stories

Story 1:

Inmate John Smith was a high school dropout who had never held a steady job. After being sentenced to prison, John enrolled in the Mack Alford Correctional Center's GED program. He studied hard and passed the GED exam. John also took advantage of the vocational training program and learned how to weld. Upon his release, John was able to get a job as a welder and has been able to support himself ever since.

Lesson: It is never too late to turn your life around.

Story 2:

Inmate Mary Jones was a single mother who was sentenced to prison for drug possession. While incarcerated, Mary participated in the Mack Alford Correctional Center's drug treatment program. She also took advantage of the educational opportunities and earned her GED. Upon her release, Mary was able to get a job as a drug and alcohol counselor. She is now able to support her children and has made a positive contribution to her community.

Lesson: Even if you have made mistakes in the past, you can still make a positive impact on the world.

Story 3:

Inmate Bill Johnson was a violent offender who had spent most of his adult life in prison. While incarcerated, Bill participated in the Mack Alford Correctional Center's anger management program. He also took advantage of the educational opportunities and earned his GED. Upon his release, Bill was able to get a job as a security guard. He has been able to stay out of trouble and has become a productive member of society.

Lesson: People can change. Even those who have committed serious crimes can turn their lives around.

Conclusion

The Mack Alford Correctional Center is a medium-security state prison that provides a variety of support services, educational opportunities, and resources for reentry. The prison's aim is to help inmates become productive members of society upon their release.

Tables

Table 1: Mack Alford Correctional Center Population

Table 2: Mack Alford Correctional Center Educational Programs

Table 3: Mack Alford Correctional Center Reentry Resources

FAQs

1. What is the capacity of the Mack Alford Correctional Center?

The Mack Alford Correctional Center has a capacity of approximately 1,200 inmates.

2. What types of inmates are housed at the Mack Alford Correctional Center?

The Mack Alford Correctional Center houses a variety of inmates, including those convicted of violent crimes, drug offenses, and property crimes.

3. What types of support services does the Mack Alford Correctional Center offer to inmates?

The Mack Alford Correctional Center offers a variety of support services to inmates, including counseling, education, medical care, religious services, and vocational training.

4. What types of educational opportunities does the Mack Alford Correctional Center offer to inmates?

The Mack Alford Correctional Center offers a range of educational opportunities to inmates, including GED classes, vocational training, and college courses.

5. What types of resources does the Mack Alford Correctional Center offer to inmates preparing for reentry?

The Mack Alford Correctional Center provides a variety of resources to inmates preparing for reentry, including job training, housing assistance, transportation, and financial assistance.

6. What is the recidivism rate for inmates released from the Mack Alford Correctional Center?

The recidivism rate for inmates released from the Mack Alford Correctional Center is approximately 30%.