Charles E. Johnson Correctional Center

Charles E. Johnson Correctional Center is a minimum-security prison for male inmates that is located in Alva, Oklahoma. This facility has the capacity to house 584 inmates – most of whom are serving time for drug-related offenses – and it is operated by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

The Charles E. “Bill” Johnson Correctional Center (BJCC) is a substance abuse/mental health treatment facility that opened in 1995. It is named for Charles E. “Bill” Johnson, who at the time was a state leader in establishing a facility that specializes in rehabilitating drug offenders. Johnson helped create a 300-bed Drug Offender Work Camp called the Regimented Treatment Program (RTP) which still operates at BJCC today.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visits are encouraged within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) to enable the inmate to strengthen family and community ties, increasing the likelihood of the inmate’s success after release. 

Visitation hours vary. An inmate's security level dictates how many hours he or she may visit with approved visitors. Visiting hours will be specified to your inmate during orientation.

Visiting during an inmate's first 30 days at BJCC (without a background check) is limited to two immediate family members older than 18. The inmate will contact you with the time and other information for the non-contact visit.

For questions about visitation, please contact the facility at 580-327-8000.

Length of time that minimum-custody inmates can visit per security level:

• Level I -- Up to 1 hour non-contact per week with individuals on an inmate’s approved visiting list. 
• Level II -- Up to 4 hours per week 
• Level III -- Up to 6 hours per week 
• Level IV -- Up to 8 hours per week

Visiting Application

All inmate visitors must submit a “Visitor Request Form." You can download a copy here, or request one from the facility.

Background checks will be completed on everyone 18 or older. The inmate will notify you when the process is complete. The approval process takes approximately eight weeks once the Visitor Request Form has been returned to BJCC.

Dress Code

The following attire is prohibited in the visiting room: 

• Shorts, skorts, skirts, or dresses shorter than the top of the kneecap or tight fitting.
• Wrap-around skirts, dresses/skirts with split seam higher than the top of the knee cap.
• Tube-tops, Tank-tops, Crop-tops, Halter-tops, Spaghetti-top blouses, Sleeveless/transparent or mesh tops/blouses 
• Leggings/biker’s pants/bodysuits.
• Spandex clothing, to include swimsuits. 
• Blue chambray, periwinkle, camouflage, or orange shirts. 
• Tight fitting sweat suits. 
• Low-cut or cut-out designs on clothing. 
• Clothing bearing profanity, offensive wording, and pictures. 
• Headgear (excluding religious). 
• Clothing which exposes the midriff, extremely tight, off the shoulder, or which exposes any part of the breast. 

All visitors must wear appropriate underclothing for his/her gender. Children above the age of 11 years must comply with the dress code for adults unless they are restricted by handicap or medical reasons.

No more than twenty dollars in quarters, per visitor, is allowed into the visiting area. The money will only be allowed to be brought in a clear sandwich size bag.

Inmates can receive mail at any time. Include their name, DOC number, and housing assignment (if known) in the address.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

You can send money to an inmate at Charles E. Johnson Correctional Center by using JPay.

• JPay.com – Send money online, with your credit or debit card.
• JPay Mobile – Send money anytime, anywhere by downloading the free app
• Phone: 800-574-5729 – Speak with a live agent, 24/7
• Send cash at MoneyGram locations including CVS and Walmart (receive code 6365)  
• Money orders – Payable to JPay at: P.O. Box 278320, Miramar, FL 33027

You can download a printable deposit slip at JPay.

Inmates may spend up to $80 per week in the canteen. There is no limit to the amount of money an inmate may have in their account. 

Programs For Inmates

Education

Most inmates lack education, a key component in avoiding re-incarceration. BJCC offers literacy courses, as well as Pre-High School Equivalency and High School Equivalency diplomas.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Nearly all state inmates have some form of substance abuse problem, and for many, that problem is closely related to their criminal behavior. To counteract this, BJCC's programming teaches inmates ways to avoid relapse and helps them develop cognitive, social, emotional, and coping skills.

Criminal Thinking

BJCC offers Thinking for a Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, and Associates 4 Success programs to address thinking, judgment errors, and negative relationships linked with criminal thinking and behavior.

CareerTech

BJCC offers inmates technical training through a CareerTech Skills Center, which trains them for workforce entry after release. CareerTech also helps inmates find skill-related employment after release. Courses offered at BJCC include OSHA 10 Certification, Forklift License, Basic Carpentry, and Pre-CDL Classes.

Regimented Treatment Program

With nearly 200 inmates, BJCC’s Regimented Treatment Program combines physical training with cognitive behavioral treatment. In addition to receiving substance abuse treatment, they learn self-discipline, and must show initiative, motivation, and improved behavior to graduate.

Other units include the Delayed Sentencing Program for about 110 18-22-year-olds meeting statute-defined criteria, and the Intermediate Revocation Program – short-term incarceration for certain kinds of probation violators.

All inmates have access to reading and writing materials. Inmates restricted to their cell may request institutional library books be provided. Inmates not subject to restricted movement generally have access to activities such as basketball, volleyball, walking, jogging, and exercise equipment. Dominoes, board games, and cards (gambling is prohibited) are also available. Most inmates may also possess a television and radio. 

Pictures of Charles E. Johnson Correctional Center

Careers at Charles E. Johnson Correctional Center

If you are interested in a career with Oklahoma Corrections — and would like to apply for a job at the Charles E. Johnson Correctional Center — you can find out more information about available jobs by clicking here.