The Comanche County Detention Center was built 22 years ago for 283 inmates. State standards now limit it to roughly 240 to 260. On Monday, 338 people were in custody, which means 103 inmates are being housed in jails in Greer, Grady and Washita counties at Comanche County’s expense. The daily rates run $42 in Greer, $50 in Washita and $56 in Grady, and the county also covers deputy transport costs every time an inmate moves.
Comanche County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to hire Oklahoma City firm Public Finance Law Group as bond counsel, a clear signal they’re exploring a bond issue to fund a new jail or a detention center annex. District 1 Commissioner Ryan John said the county is at a standstill and needs expert guidance on how to structure the financing. Any bond issue would likely go before voters, since it would affect property taxes.
The pressure isn’t letting up. Senate Bill 595, signed in April 2025, requires 40 square feet for the first inmate and 20 additional square feet for each one after that, shrinking how many people the current building can legally hold. Commissioners also noted $442,023 in Sales Tax Jail Fund money was already committed for September facility expenses. The jail has run over capacity almost daily for two decades, so this conversation has been a long time coming.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.