Execution of Offenders Sentenced to Death ................................................................... 1
I. Definitions .................................................................................................................. 2
A. Stay or Stop An Execution .................................................................................... 2
II. Responsibility ............................................................................................................. 2
III. Conduct and Selection of Staff for Execution Teams ................................................. 3
A. Conduct of Staff .................................................................................................... 3
B. Selection of Staff for Execution Teams................................................................. 4
IV. Execution Teams ....................................................................................................... 5
A. Command Team ................................................................................................... 5
B. H Unit Section Teams........................................................................................... 6
C. Intravenous (IV) Team .......................................................................................... 7
D. Maintenance Response Team .............................................................................. 8
E. Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) ......................................................... 8
F. Traffic Control Team ............................................................................................. 8
G. Witness Escort Teams.......................................................................................... 8
H. Victim Services Team ........................................................................................... 9
V. Training ...................................................................................................................... 9
VI. Selection of Execution Witnesses ............................................................................ 10
A. ODOC Staff Witnesses ....................................................................................... 10
B. Law Enforcement Witnesses .............................................................................. 11
C. Victim and Offender Witnesses .......................................................................... 11
D. News Media Witnesses ...................................................................................... 13
E. Persons Excluded from the Execution Process .................................................. 14
VII.Timeline of Events for Executions ............................................................................ 14
A. Receipt of Order Setting Execution Date ............................................................ 14
B. Thirty-Five (35) Days Prior to the Day of Execution............................................ 16
C. Fourteen Days (14) Prior to the Day of Execution .............................................. 21
D. Two Days (2) Prior to the Day of Execution ........................................................ 22
E. Twenty-Four (24) Hours Prior to the Day of Execution ....................................... 22
F. Twelve Hours (12) Prior To and Through the Execution..................................... 23
G. Pronouncement and Documentation of Death .................................................... 29
H. Stay of Execution................................................................................................ 29
I.
Post Execution/Stay of Execution ....................................................................... 30
J. Site Clean Up and Recording of Execution Drugs .............................................. 30
K. Normal Operations ............................................................................................. 31
L. Execution Documentation ................................................................................... 31
M. After-Action Review ............................................................................................ 31
N. Critical Incident Debriefing .................................................................................. 32
VIII.Quality Assurance Review ...................................................................................... 32
IX. References .............................................................................................................. 32
X. Action ....................................................................................................................... 33
Attachments ............................................................................................................... 34
Referenced Forms ..................................................................................................... 34
Section-04 Security

OP-040301

Execution Procedures

ACA Standards:

Robert Patton, Director
Oklahoma Department of Corrections

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Effective Date: 06/30/2015

2-CO-1A-27-1
Signature on File

Execution of Offenders Sentenced to Death

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OP-040301

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The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) establishes procedures for planning
and carrying out the execution of a person convicted of a capital offense and sentenced
to death. These procedures shall be followed as written unless deviation or adjustment
is required, as determined by the director of Corrections or their designee (in the event
of an absence). This procedure outlines the internal procedures and does not create
any legally enforceable rights or obligations.
I.

Definitions
A.

Stay or Stop An Execution
1.

Stay
An order by the governor or court of competent jurisdiction to
reprieve or suspend the execution of the judgment of death.

2.

Stop
Upon order by the director, all acts congruent to an execution shall
immediately cease until the director orders the execution to
continue or a stay is ordered by the governor or court of competent
jurisdiction.

II.

Responsibility
The ODOC ensures the execution of a person sentenced to death under state
law by a court of competent authority and jurisdiction is carried out in keeping
with statute, case law and professional practices.
A.

The ODOC shall make every effort in the planning and preparation of an
execution to ensure the execution process:
1.

Faithfully adheres to constitutional mandates against cruel and
unusual punishment, in accordance with Article II, Section 9 of the
Oklahoma Constitution and the Eighth Amendment to the United
States Constitution;

2.

Is handled in a manner that minimizes its impact on the safety,
security and operational integrity of the facility and the community
in which it occurs;

3.

Accommodates the public’s right to obtain certain information
concerning the execution;

4.

Reasonably addresses the privacy interests as provided by law;

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B.

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5.

Provides contingency planning to identify and address unforeseen
problems;

6.

Allows for stays of execution, commutations and other exigencies;

7.

Provides opportunity for citizens to exercise their First Amendment
Rights to demonstrate for or against capital punishment in a lawful
manner; and

8.

Ensures there is an appropriate response to unlawful civil
disobedience, trespass and other violations of the law by any
person attempting to impact the execution or the operation of the
facility.

The ODOC shall detain, seek the arrest and encourage prosecution of
persons who:
1.

Violate prohibitions against filming, taping, broadcasting or
otherwise electronically documenting the execution of the offender;

2.

Trespass and otherwise enter upon ODOC property without
authorization;

3.

Participate in unlawful demonstrations or unlawfully attempt to
disrupt, prevent and otherwise interfere with the execution; and

4.

Unlawfully threaten, intimidate and otherwise attempt to influence
authorized persons involved in the execution process.

These prohibitions apply to the offender population, ODOC personnel and
members of the general public engaging or attempting to engage in
disruptive and other prohibited behaviors.
III.

Conduct and Selection of Staff for Execution Teams
A.

Conduct of Staff
1.

Participating staff shall adhere to OP-110215 entitled “Rules
Concerning the Individual Conduct of Employees” and guided
principles evidenced by:
a.

Appropriate levels of professionalism, restraint and courtesy
when interacting with witnesses, demonstrators, attorneys,
news media, state and local law enforcement and any other
member of the public directly or indirectly involved with the
imposition of the sentence of death;

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B.

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b.

All assigned duties
professionally;

are

performed

proficiently

and

c.

Their ability to exercise the option to withdraw from the
process by the prescribed means at any time;

d.

Conduct that appropriately reflects the solemnity of the
activities in which they elect to engage and the duties they
choose to perform;

e.

Reserving public comment on any and all facets of the
execution; and

f.

Maintaining confidentiality of identifying information
regarding any person who participates in or performs any
function of an execution. As defined in Oklahoma State
Statute Title 22, Section 1015, “The identity of all persons
who participate in or administer the execution process and
persons who supply the drugs, medical supplies or medical
equipment for the execution shall be confidential and shall
not be subject to discovery in any civil or criminal
proceedings. The purchase of drugs, medical supplies or
medical equipment necessary to carry out the execution
shall not be subject to the provision of the Oklahoma Central
Purchasing Act.”

2.

All team members serve on a strictly voluntary basis. At any point
before, during, or after an execution any team member may decline
to participate or participate further without additional notice and
explanation or repercussion.

3.

The associate director of Field Operations shall ensure all team
members understand and comply with the provisions contained
herein.

Selection of Staff for Execution Teams
1.

The associate director of Field Operations coordinates the activities
of the division managers of East and West Institutions and the
wardens of Oklahoma State Penitentiary (OSP) and Mabel Bassett
Correctional Center (MBCC) in activating the Execution Teams.

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2.

The OSP and MBCC wardens shall review the current teams’
rosters and recommend retention and replacement of staff and
alternates to the division manager of West Institutions.

3.

The division manager of West Institutions shall evaluate the teams’
composition and the wardens’ recommendations to the director.

4.

In the selection and retention of any staff for the teams, the division
manager for West Institutions shall consider:

5.

IV.

OP-040301

a.

Employees suspended or demoted in the past 12 months or
currently under investigation shall not be selected;

b.

Special consideration may be given to staff with pertinent
specialized training and qualifications;

c.

Staff shall only be assigned to one team in the overall
execution process;

d.

Staff serving on any team shall not be related to the offender
by blood or marriage or have any other legal relationship
with the offender, the offender’s family or the crime
victims(s); and

e.

Staff participation in the execution process is strictly
voluntary. ODOC staff is not required to attend or participate
in an execution.

Any staff volunteers may withdraw from performing their assigned
duties specific to the execution at any time by advising their team
leader, advising a team member or advising their immediate chain
of command.

Execution Teams
A.

Command Team
1.

Provides overall coordination of execution procedures.

2.

Consists of a minimum of three team members:
a.

Commander (division manager of East Institutions);

b.

Recorder;

c.

Telephone operator; and

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OP-040301

d.

B.

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Others as necessary.

3.

The commander is selected by the director.

4.

All other team members are selected by the division manager of
East Institutions with the documented approval of the director.

H Unit Section Teams
1.

The H Unit Section chief shall coordinate the activities of the H Unit
Section Teams to ensure compliance with conditions of
confinement and application of approved procedures.

2.

The director shall select the H Unit Section chief.

3.

The H Unit Section Teams shall be comprised of the Restraint
Team and the Special Operations Team.
a.

b.

Restraint Team
(1)

Provides continuous observation of the offender on
the day of the execution and applies appropriate
restraint procedures and offender management prior
to, during, and after the execution.

(2)

Consists of one team leader and six team members
divided into two teams.

(3)

The division manager of West Institutions shall select
the team leader with the documented approval of the
director.

(4)

Team members are selected by the warden of OSP
with the documented approval of the director.

Special Operations Team
(1)

Implements the protocols associated with the
administration of the chemicals for the execution
(Attachment D, attached).

(2)

Consists of a minimum of five team members:
(a)

Team leader;

(b)

Recorder; and

(c)

Three additional team members.

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C.

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(3)

The team members and team leader are selected by
the division manager of West Institutions with the
documented approval of the director.

(4)

The team leader shall designate functions of the team
members.

Intravenous (IV) Team
1.

The IV Team shall consist of a team leader and member(s) of any
one or more of the following:
a.

Physician(s).

b.

Physician assistant(s).

c.

Nurse(s).

d.

Emergency medical technician(s) (EMT).

e.

Paramedic(s).

f.

Military corpsman or other certified or licensed personnel
including those trained in the United States military.

2.

The team leader and member(s) shall be currently certified or
licensed within the United States.

3.

The team leader and member(s) shall be selected by the director.
a.

Selection of any team member shall include a review of the
proposed team member’s qualifications, training, experience,
and/or any professional license(s) and certification(s) they
may hold.

b.

Licensing and criminal history reviews shall be conducted by
the inspector general’s office prior to assigning or retaining
any team member and upon the issuance of an Order
Setting Execution Date.

4.

The division manager of West Institutions shall ensure the team
leader and member(s) thoroughly understand all provisions
contained herein as written and by practice.

5.

Documentation of team members’ qualifications, including training
of the team members, shall be maintained by the director or his
designee.

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6.

D.

E.

G.

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All information pertaining to the selection and review of the IV Team
members shall remain confidential in accordance with O.S. 22
Section 1015 of Oklahoma State Statute.

Maintenance Response Team
1.

Tests all H Unit equipment utilized to impose the sentence of death
and ensures electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning units
are in working order.

2.

Consists of one team leader and three team members.

3.

The team leader and members are selected by the warden of OSP.

4.

Reports to the Command Team.

Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT)
1.

Educates affected staff at all levels in the ODOC prior to, during,
and after the execution regarding possible psychological responses
and effective coping mechanisms as well as provides ongoing
follow-up contact to staff.

2.

Consists of one team leader and three team members.

3.
F.

OP-040301

a.

The team leader is the Employee Assistance Program
coordinator or designee.

b.

Team members are CIMT responders and are selected by
the Employee Assistance Program coordinator.

Reports to the Command Team.

Traffic Control Team
1.

Supervises the movement of people and vehicles into and out of
the facility before, during, and after the execution.

2.

Consists of one team leader and eight team members.

3.

Team members and the team leader are selected by the warden of
OSP.

4.

Reports to the Command Team.

Witness Escort Teams

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1.

H.

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Coordinates the movement of all pre-approved witnesses on and
off facility grounds and within its perimeter.
a.

One (1) Witness Escort Team is assigned to escort and
assist each group of pre-approved officials, victims, news
media and offender family witnesses.

b.

Witness Escort Team members shall always remain with
witnesses within established areas.

2.

Consists of one team leader and eight team members divided into
four teams.

3.

Team members and the team leader are selected by the warden of
OSP.

4.

Reports to the Command Team.

Victim Services Team
1.

V.

OP-040301

Ensures victims of the crime that resulted in the imposition of death
are informed of the execution date and their opportunity to witness
the execution.
a.

The team explains the execution process.

b.

If the victim is interested in attending, the team submits the
victim’s name(s) for consideration to the director.

2.

Consists of one team leader and one team member.

3.

The team leader is the victim services coordinator.

4.

The team member is selected by the victim services coordinator.

5.

Reports to the Witness Escort Team leader.

Training
The agency will establish protocols and training to enable staff to function in a
safe, effective and professional manner before, during and after an execution.
A.

The division manager of West Institutions shall establish a training
schedule and identify dates for periodic on-site practice by the H Unit
Section Teams, to include ten training scenarios within the 12 months
preceding the scheduled execution. Multiple training scenarios can be

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accomplished on the same date, including but not limited to contingency
plans for:

VI.

1.

Issues with execution equipment or supplies;

2.

Issues with offender IV access, including obtaining alternate IV
access site(s);

3.

Issues if offender is not rendered unconscious after administration
of execution chemicals;

4.

Unanticipated medical or other issues concerning the offender or
an execution team member; and

5.

Issues regarding order, security or facilities at OSP.

B.

The H Unit Section Team shall initiate training sessions no less than once
per week until the scheduled date of execution beginning 35 days prior to
the execution date.

C.

The H Unit Section Team shall conduct a minimum of two training
sessions with multiple scenarios within two days prior to the scheduled
execution.

D.

The IV Team members shall participate in at least one training session
with multiple scenarios, within seven days prior to the scheduled
execution.

E.

The Command Team leader shall conduct training of the following team
members approximately seven days prior to the execution date.
1.

Witness Escort Team

2.

Maintenance Response Team

3.

Critical Incident Management Team

4.

Traffic Control Team

5.

Victim Services Team

Selection of Execution Witnesses
A.

ODOC Staff Witnesses
The following staff shall be present at the execution:
1.

Director or designee.

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B.

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2.

H Unit Section chief.

3.

Other necessary correctional officials.

Law Enforcement Witnesses
The following persons may be present at the execution:

C.

1.

State Attorney General or designee.

2.

Cabinet Secretary of Public Safety or designee.

3.

Judge who presided during the trial.

4.

Chief of police of the municipality in which the crime occurred.

5.

District attorney or designee of the county of conviction.

6.

Sheriff of the county of conviction.

7.

Lead law enforcement officials from agencies that investigated the
crime or testified in court or clemency proceedings related to the
crime.

8.

In the event the defendant has been sentenced to death in one or
more criminal proceedings in this state, or has been sentenced to
death in this state and by one or more courts of competent
jurisdiction in another state (or pursuant to federal authority), or any
combination thereof, and this state has priority to execute the
defendant, the general counsel must invite the district attorney, the
judge and the chief law enforcement official from each jurisdiction
where any death sentence has been issued. The above mentioned
officials shall be allowed to witness the execution or view the
execution by closed circuit television as determined by the director.

9.

The law enforcement witnesses authorized to be present at the
execution shall receive a two-week prior written notice of the
scheduled execution per Attachment A entitled “Notification Letter
to Dignitaries/Law Enforcement (sample)” (attached).

Victim and Offender Witnesses
1.

Victim and Offender witnesses may be subject to a criminal records
check which will be conducted using the “Oklahoma Department of
Corrections Request for Record” (DOC 090211B).

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2.

The division manager of West Institutions shall prioritize persons to
view the execution, including: surviving victims; offender’s
immediate family members; individuals who served a close
supporting role or professional role to the offender including, but not
limited to, a minister or licensed counselor. The warden of OSP
may set a limit on the number of viewers within occupancy limits.

3.

The victim and offender witnesses authorized to be present at the
execution shall receive a two-week prior written notice of the
scheduled execution per Attachment B entitled “Notification Letter
to Offender Witnesses (sample)” (attached).
a.

Victim Witnesses
(1)

Any surviving victim of the offender who is 18 years of
age or older may view the execution if approved by
the general counsel and the warden of OSP.

(2)

As used in this section, ‘surviving victim’ means any
immediate family member of the deceased victim
who, as a direct result of the crime, suffered serious
harm or injury due to the criminal acts of the offender
of which the offender has been convicted in a court of
competent jurisdiction.

(3)

Immediate family is defined as the spouse, child by
birth or adoption, stepchild, parent by birth or
adoption, stepparent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling
or stepsibling of each deceased victim or the spouse
of any immediate family member specified in this
section.

(4)

Any surviving victim approved to view the execution of
the offender may request to have an accompanying
support person who serves a close supporting role or
professional role to the deceased victim or an
immediate family member, including, but not limited
to, a minister or licensed counselor. The warden of
OSP and the director shall approve or disapprove
such requests.

(5)

A representative from the Attorney General’s Victim
Services Unit and the ODOC Victim Services team

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coordinator or designee shall be allowed to attend the
execution.
b.

Offender Witnesses
(1)

4.

D.

Witnesses may include five persons, relatives or
friends, and two qualified ministers who are 18 years
of age or older, as selected by the offender and
approved by the general counsel and the warden of
OSP. If the offender is female, approval shall be
received by the warden of MBCC in conjunction with
the warden of OSP.

All witnesses shall be provided a summary detailing the execution
process which shall include what to expect and rules of conduct
throughout the execution.

News Media Witnesses
1.

News media witness selection is contingent upon adherence to the
provisions stipulated in the “News Media Statement After an
Execution” (Attachment E, attached).

2.

No more than five members of the news media may be selected to
witness the execution. First preference will be given to a local
media representative in the market where the crime was committed
and to the associated press.

3.

News media witnesses shall be held to the same standards for
conduct as are all other official witnesses.

4.

All witnesses shall be provided a written summary detailing the
execution process which shall include what to expect and rules of
conduct throughout the execution.

5.

The Command Team may exclude any news media witness at any
time if the media witness fails to abide by the provisions of this
procedure.
a.

News media witnesses are not permitted to bring
unauthorized items into H Unit. Examples of unauthorized
items include:
(1)

Any electronic or mechanical recording device;

(2)

Still, moving picture, or video tape camera;

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E.

VII.

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(3)

Tape recorders or similar devices; and

(4)

Radio/television broadcasting devices.

b.

Each news media witness shall be provided a tablet of paper
and a pencil for taking notes once they have completed
security screening.

c.

News media not selected to witness the execution shall
remain in the designated Media Room during the execution.

Persons Excluded from the Execution Process
1.

The correctional officers, case manager and medical staff who
attended to the offender while in isolation shall not participate in the
execution process.

2.

Minors shall not be permitted to witness an execution.

3.

The director shall retain full discretion as to the selection of, and
any change in, the witnesses selected for each scheduled
execution.

Timeline of Events for Executions
A.

Receipt of Order Setting Execution Date
Upon receipt of the Order Setting Execution Date, the following staff shall
initiate the protocols below.
1.

General Counsel’s Office
a.

Notify the director and associate director of Field Operations.

b.

Notify the division manager of West Institutions, the warden
of OSP and, if a female offender, the warden of MBCC.

c.

Forward the original Order Setting Execution Date to the
warden of OSP or MBCC.

d.

Notify the coordinator of the Victim Services Team who shall
contact the victim(s) and inform them of the court’s issuance
of the Order Setting Execution Date.

e.

Notify the appropriate
enforcement officials.

government

officials

and

law

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2.

3.

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Director of Corrections
a.

Select the time of the execution and provide notice to the
Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.

b.

Under exigent circumstances, the director shall have the
authority to change the timeframes established in this
procedure.

Warden of OSP or MBCC
a.

Coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of offender activity
at their facilities for any activity related to the execution or its
impact on the facility operation.

b.

Direct the offender to complete the “35-Day Notification
Packet” (Attachments F-1 thru F-5, attached (links in the
reference section) and return it to the warden no later than
30 days prior to the scheduled execution date.

c.

Notify the offender that minors are prohibited from
witnessing the execution pursuant to Oklahoma State
Statute Title 22, Section 1015.

d.

Notify the offender’s family members as indicated by the
offender.

e.

Notify the offender that requests for ODOC or contract staff
to attend the execution shall be denied.

f.

Notify the offender that requests for other offenders to attend
the execution shall be denied.

g.

Notify the offender to review and update as necessary DOC
030120B entitled “Designation for Disposition of Property.”
The warden shall direct the offender to provide any changes
no later than 14 days prior to the execution. If the offender
does not provide instruction, the property and accounts shall
be disposed of in accordance with OP-030120 entitled
“Offender Property.”

h.

Advise the offender that his/her body shall not be used for
organ donation.

i.

Summarize the options available with the offender for
release and disposition of his/her body.

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B.

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1.

The warden shall direct the offender to review the
previously completed “Release of Remains and Burial
Arrangements” form (Attachment C, attached) and
update as necessary no later than 14 days prior to the
execution.

2.

If the offender provides no instruction or the
information is insufficient or incorrect, the deceased
shall be disposed of in accordance with OP-140111
entitled “Offender Death, Injury and Illness Notification
and Procedures.”

j.

Summarize the options available to the offender for the
release of medical information in accordance with HIPAA
regulations.

k.

Advise the offender he/she may request a last meal by
completing the “Last Meal Request” (Attachment F-5,
attached). Reasonable effort shall be made to accommodate
the request which shall not exceed $25.00.

Thirty-Five (35) Days Prior to the Day of Execution
1.

Facility
a.

The warden or designee shall confirm in writing to the
associate director of Field Operations that the following
steps have been completed:
(1)

Warrant has been read to the offender.

(2)

An outline was provided to the offender how
conditions of confinement shall be modified over the
next 35 days with a brief description of the relevant
aspects of the execution process. (Attachments F-1
thru F-5)

(3)

The offender’s medical condition shall be assessed in
order to identify any necessary accommodations or
contingencies that may arise from the offender’s
medical condition or history.
(a)

Any medical condition or history that may affect
the performance of the execution shall be
communicated as soon as possible through the

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chain of command to the director, who shall
confer with others as necessary to plan such
accommodations or contingencies.
(b)

The facts of the assessment and any
conclusions shall be documented in the
offender’s healthcare record.

(4)

Any concerns for establishing or maintaining IV lines
and any concerns or plans for medical
accommodations
or
contingencies
shall
be
communicated to the Special Operations Team in
order that they may be discussed and addressed in
execution trainings or rehearsals.

(5)

An appropriate member of the mental health staff
shall evaluate the offender approximately thirty-five
(35) days prior to the execution to evaluate his or her
stability and mental health in light of the scheduled
execution.
(a)

Any concerns or contingencies affecting the
execution process shall be communicated
through the chain of command to the director
as soon as possible and documented in the
offender’s healthcare record.

(b)

The director shall order the warden to notify the
appropriate district attorney and the attorney
general of any concerns or contingencies.

(6)

Transfer the offender to the appropriate cell on Death
Row at OSP (or MBCC when the offender is female).
Before transferring the offender into the cell, the
offender shall be strip searched, x-rayed, screened on
the calibrated BOSS Chair and then issued a new set
of clothes and shoes to wear.

(7)

The assigned cell shall be thoroughly searched prior
to placing the offender in the cell.

(8)

Place the offender on 24-hour continuous observation
and post staff to the offender’s cell to maintain visual
contact with the offender.

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b.

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(9)

Establish an observation log to chronicle staff’s
observations of the offender’s activities and behavior
until the sentence of death is imposed or a stay of
execution is issued.

(10)

The shift commander shall be responsible for
ensuring the information recorded in the observation
logs includes, but is not limited to:
(a)

All statements or behaviors that could be
detrimental to completing an execution;

(b)

All meals provided to the offender and what
portions of the meals the offender consumed or
refused;

(c)

All medications provided to the offender and
the observations made by staff as to whether
the offender ingested the medication as
prescribed; and

(d)

All liquids consumed by the offender.

(11)

The warden shall be responsible for reviewing
observation logs once every twenty-four hour period,
excluding weekends and holidays.

(12)

The warden will communicate any significant changes
in the offender’s medical and/or mental health to the
health services administrator.

(13)

In the instance where the offender is female, the 35
day protocols shall be implemented with the offender
housed at MBCC.

Conditions of Confinement
(1)

The warden shall:
(a)

Ensure none of the offender’s personal
property is transferred with the offender, except
as provided in this section;

(b)

Have the offender’s personal property
inventoried in his/her presence before the

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transfer of cells occurs and then have it boxed,
sealed and removed from the cell;

c.

(c)

Store the offender’s property pending receipt of
written instruction by the offender regarding
disposition of property, or otherwise dispose of
the property as outlined in OP-030120 entitled
“Offender Property;”

(d)

Allow the offender to keep in the cell one (1)
cubic foot each of legal and religious materials,
a safety ink pen, paper, a book or periodical,
family photographs and correspondence from
family members;

(e)

Issue the offender a new mattress, pillow and
bedding;

(f)

Provide the offender limited hygiene supplies,
including a towel and washcloth and exchange
these items on a daily basis;

(g)

Ten calendar days after being placed on
continuous observation, the warden may
approve weekly canteen purchases of no more
than $20.00 based on the offender’s behavior;

(h)

Ensure all offender medications are unit-dosed
and issued in liquid form, when available. None
of the offender’s medication, including overthe-counter medications, shall be dispensed or
maintained by the offender as keep-on-person
(KOP);

(i)

Ensure the offender has access to a ODOC
television set that is secured inside the cell and
does not have access to any other appliances;
and

(j)

Continue to provide outdoor exercise and
showers, non-contact visits and phone calls
per the current schedule for other death row
offenders.

State and Local Law Enforcement Briefing

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(1)

d.

Effective Date: 06/30/2015

The warden of OSP shall ensure state and local law
enforcement is periodically briefed and adequately
prepared for the execution.

Site Checks
(1)

2.

Page: 20

All of the equipment necessary to the administration
of the execution shall be available on site and in good
working order including:
(a)

Transportation vehicles;

(b)

Communication devices with inter-operability
capability and restricted frequencies;

(c)

Climate control;

(d)

Tool control;

(e)

Safety equipment;

(f)

Audio/Visual equipment;

(g)

Utility infrastructure;

(h)

Key control/locking devices; and

(i)

Medical emergency response capability

Division Manager of West Institutions
a.

Identifies and assigns team leaders and members, with
documented approval by the director, and upon approval
shall activate the teams.

b.

Ensures preventative maintenance in H Unit occurs and that
an equipment inventory is completed. If deficiencies are
noted, ensures appropriate and timely action is taken to
correct the deficiency.

c.

Directs the initiation of the continuous observation log
commencing 35 days prior to the day of the execution. The
log shall be maintained until the execution occurs or a stay
of execution is issued.

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d.

3.

4.

Effective Date: 06/30/2015

Activates the training schedule ensuring staff participating in
the execution receives adequate training, written instruction
and practice, all of which is documented.

Division Manager of Correctional Health Services
a.

Directs Health Services staff to conduct a medical records
file review to identify any prescribed medication(s) and
dosages the offender is currently or was recently taking.
Health Services staff provider shall modify prescribed
medication as may be necessary.

b.

Directs Health Services staff to dispense all offender
medications in unit doses and in liquid form, when available.
No medication, including over-the-counter medication, shall
be provided or maintained by the offender as KOP.

c.

Ensures Health Services staff monitors the offender two
times per day for significant changes in his/her medical
and/or mental health. Reports findings immediately to the
division manager of East Institutions and the general
counsel.

Victim Services Office
a.

C.

Page: 21

Identifies and advises victims of the crime for which the
offender has been sentenced to death of the issuance of the
Order Setting Execution Date and the scheduled date and
time of the execution.

Fourteen Days (14) Prior to the Day of Execution
1.

2.

Inspector General or Designee
a.

Finalizes arrangements with the State Medical Examiner for
the disposition of the body, security for the medical
examiner’s vehicle and the custodial transfer of the body.

b.

Obtains a body bag and tag from the Medical Examiner’s
office.

General Counsel
a.

Finalizes a list and documented approval of all witnesses for
the director’s review including official offender and victim

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witnesses through coordination with the offices of Victim
Services.

D.

Upon documented approval, the director or designee shall
prepare a written invitation to each chosen witness.

c.

Sends the completed list of approved witnesses to the
warden of OSP.

Two Days (2) Prior to the Day of Execution
1.

2.

E.

b.

Division Manager of West Institutions
a.

Schedules and conducts on-site scenario training sessions,
modifying practices as warranted.

b.

Confirms adequate staffing and vehicles are in place for
regular operations and the execution.

Warden of OSP
a.

Confirms staff assigned to the Maintenance Response Team
(MRT) are scheduled and shall be on-site eight (8) hours
prior to the time scheduled for imposition of sentence.

b.

Restricts access to H Unit to those with expressly assigned
duties.

c.

Verifies execution inventory and equipment checks are
completed and open issues resolved in accordance with
established protocols.

Twenty-Four (24) Hours Prior to the Day of Execution
1.

Final preparation of the execution area is completed. Each room
receives final evaluation specific to its functions including security,
climate control, lighting, sound, sanitation, and ensures that
separation screens and appropriate restraints are ready.

2.

Detailed staff briefings detailing operational changes, security and
intelligence information as well as protocol and checklist
requirements are provided to facility staff through shift briefings,
staff meetings, etc.

3.

The offender’s telephone privileges shall be terminated at 2100
hours the day prior to the execution, excluding calls from the

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offender’s attorney of record and others as approved by the division
manager of West Institutions.

F.

4.

The offender’s visitation privileges shall be terminated at 2100
hours the day prior to the execution. The offender shall be
permitted two hours of in-person visitation with no more than two
attorneys of record, concluding two hours prior to the scheduled
execution or earlier if necessary to begin preparing the offender for
the execution.

5.

The warden of OSP shall ensure the offender receives the last
meal as requested in accordance with procedures. Every
reasonable effort to accommodate the last meal request shall be
made. All eating utensils and remaining food and beverage shall be
removed upon completion of the meal.

6.

The Traffic Control Team shall confer with state and local law
enforcement agencies, establish check points and parameters for
traffic control, and formulate inter-agency emergency response
strategies. The team shall also coordinate the ingress/egress for
ODOC and contract staff and other persons whose attendance is
necessary. This process shall continue through the conclusion of
the execution process.

Twelve Hours (12) Prior To and Through the Execution
1.

Restricting Access to Institution Property
a.

b.

During the final 12 hours prior to the execution, access to the
Oklahoma State Penitentiary is limited to:
1.

On-duty personnel;

2.

On-duty contract workers;

3.

Volunteers deemed necessary by the warden;

4.

Law enforcement personnel on business-related
matters; and

5.

Approved witnesses.

Restriction to the facility shall remain in effect until normal
operations are resumed after the execution or stay of
execution is issued.

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c.

Any non-execution related visitation sessions or special
visits shall be cancelled.

d.

Approved witnesses are gathered and separated into predetermined staging areas.
(1)

One Witness Escort Team is assigned to escort and
assist pre-approved officials, victims, news media
witnesses and offender’s witnesses.

(2)

Witness Escort Teams shall remain with the assigned
witnesses within established areas.

(3)

The Victim Services Team coordinator shall meet with
the victim(s) in the staging area and shall remain
available to them throughout the process. The team
shall provide support and advocacy as appropriate.

News Media Access
a.

Reasonable efforts shall be made to accommodate the
representatives of the news media before, during, and after
a scheduled execution; however, the ODOC reserves the
right to regulate media access to ensure the orderly and safe
operations of its facility.

b.

The Communications Office shall coordinate the release of
information to news media outlets. All ODOC and contract
staff is expressly prohibited from providing information not
readily available in the public domain.

c.

News media witnesses to the execution shall be limited to
five representatives.

d.

(1)

One seat will be given to a local media representative
in the market where the crime was committed.

(2)

One seat will be given to the associated press.

(3)

Three seats will be chosen from the remaining media
representatives with preference given to Oklahomabased media.

If more than one media representative meets criteria for the
available seats, a lottery or lotteries shall be held.

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e.

The public information officer shall provide general
information regarding the execution and the offender.

f.

News media witnesses shall return to the Media Room after
the execution to answer questions of all other media
representatives concerning their observations during the
execution, prior to filing or reporting their story.

Offender Preparation and Observation Log
a.

The offender shall be escorted to medical to receive a full
body x-ray.

b.

All property in the assigned cell shall be removed and the
cell thoroughly searched prior to the return of the offender
from medical.

c.

The offender shall be strip-searched and screened on the
calibrated BOSS Chair before placement in the cell.

d.

The offender shall be issued one pair each of pants, shirt,
underwear and socks on the morning of the execution.

e.

The cell shall be furnished with a mattress, pillow and
pillowcase, one each top and bottom sheet, blanket, wash
cloth, towel, and toilet paper.

f.

The offender may have a safety ink pen and paper, religious
items, a book or periodical and indigent-sized hygiene
supplies (liquid soap, toothpaste) and a toothbrush and
comb. These items may be made available only for the
duration of the use and shall be removed immediately
thereafter. Any other requested property shall require
approval by the warden and shall be documented.

g.

The Restraint Team shall take custody of the offender and
the observation log. The Restraint Team members shall
assume maintenance of the log until the execution is
completed or a stay of execution is issued.

h.

The offender shall remain on continuous watch. The
Restraint Team members shall record observations and
make entries every 15 minutes, or as incidents occur, in the
observation log during the final four hours.

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i.

The warden will ensure the assigned cell is preserved and
secured immediately after the offender is moved to the
execution chamber. Entry will be limited to preservation of
mission only and will be released by the inspector general
once the execution is completed or a stay of execution is
issued.

j.

The offender may be offered a mild sedative.

k.

No later than four hours prior to the execution the offender
may be offered an additional mild sedative.

l.

These time frames may be adjusted as necessary in the
event of a stay of execution or other exigencies.

Notification to Proceed With Execution
a.

Prior to moving the offender from the holding cell to the
execution table, the director shall confer with the attorney
general or designee and the governor or designee to confirm
there is no legal impediment to proceeding with the lawful
execution.

b.

The H Unit Section chief shall direct the Restraint Team to
prepare and escort the offender into the execution chamber.

c.

The Restraint Team shall secure the offender on the
execution table.

IV Site(s) Preparation and Establishment
a.

The IV Team shall enter the Execution Room to prepare and
insert a primary IV catheter and a backup IV catheter. The
arm veins near the joint between the upper and lower arm
shall be utilized as the preferred site for the IV injection.

b.

The director, acting upon the advice of the IV Team leader,
shall determine the catheter sites.

c.

In the event that the IV Team is unable to establish an IV at
a preferred site, the member(s) may establish an IV at an
alternative site(s), including a central line, for use by the
Special Operations Team when administering execution
drugs.

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d.

The IV Team may utilize a non-invasive device to assist in
locating a vein.

e.

The IV Team shall be allowed as much time as is necessary
to establish a viable IV site(s).

f.

If the IV Team is unable to establish viable IV sites(s) the
member(s) shall consult with the director.

g.

The director shall consult with others as necessary for the
purpose of determining whether or how long to continue
efforts to establish viable IV sites(s).

h.

After one hour of unsuccessful IV attempts, the director shall
contact the governor or designee to advise of the status and
potentially request a postponement of the execution.

i.

A central line shall not be used unless the person placing the
line is qualified to place a central line.

Confirming and Recording Establishment of IV Sites(s)
a.

An IV Team member shall test the viability of the IV site with
a low-pressure saline drip through IV tubing. If necessary, a
heparin lock may be attached to the IV needle as an
alternative to the saline drip.

b.

The H Unit Section chief and IV Team leader shall both
confirm the visibility of the IV sites.

c.

The H Unit Section Team Recorder shall document in the
Correctional Service Log the number of attempts to establish
an IV site.

Using Alternative IV Sites
a.

The H Unit Section Team chief shall observe the offender
during the injection process to look for signs of swelling or
infiltration at the IV site, blood in the catheter, and leakage
from the lines and other unusual signs or symptoms.

b.

The H Unit Section Team chief shall determine whether it is
necessary to use an alternate IV site.

c.

Whenever it is necessary to use alternate IV sites, the
Special Operation Team shall administer a full dosage of the

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execution drugs through the alternate site, using additional
syringes as necessary, prepared in accordance with the
terms of this procedure.
d.

8.

In the event the H Unit Section Team chief changes to
another IV site, the Special Operation Team recorder shall
capture that information on the Correctional Service Log.

Proceeding with the Execution
a.

When the offender is secured on the execution table by the
Restraint Team and readied by the IV Team, the H Unit
Section Team chief shall advise the director and order the
witnesses to their respective seating.

b.

The director shall reconfirm with the attorney general or
designee and the governor or designee that there is no legal
impediment to proceeding. Upon oral confirmation that there
are no legal impediments to proceeding with the execution,
the director shall order the H Unit Section chief to proceed
with the execution.
(1)

If there is a legal impediment the director shall instruct
the H Unit Section chief to stop the execution and to
notify the offender witnesses that the execution has
been stayed or delayed. The H Unit Section chief
shall also notify the Command Team to notify the
agency’s public information officer in the Media
Room.

c.

The H Unit Section chief shall read aloud a summary of the
Warrant of Execution.

d.

The H Unit Section chief shall ask the offender if he wishes
to make a last statement that is reasonable in length and
does not contain vulgar language or intentionally offensive
statements directed at the witnesses. The microphone shall
remain on during the last statement, after which time it shall
be turned off. The microphone may be turned off earlier in
the event the offender uses vulgarity or makes intentionally
offensive statements.

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H.

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The director shall instruct the disbursement of chemicals to
begin in accordance with Attachment D entitled “Preparation
and Administration of Chemicals.”

Pronouncement and Documentation of Death
1.

The director or designee shall announce death has occurred.

2.

The H Unit Section chief shall complete and sign the return of the
Death Warrant. The H Unit Section chief is also responsible for
coordinating with the general counsel’s office for the filing of the
document with the sentencing court and the Oklahoma Court of
Criminal Appeals within five business days.

3.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office shall be given custody of the
body in order to issue a Certificate of Death.

Stay of Execution
1.

Upon receipt of notification that the court and/or governor has
issued a Stay of Execution, the director shall advise the Command
Team.

2.

Upon receipt of the notification, the H Unit Section chief shall:
a.

Instruct the Special Operations Team to stand down.

b.

Direct the Restraint Team to remove the offender from the
chamber and return to the assigned cell if the stay of
execution is less than 35 days.
(1)

Prior to moving the offender back to the assigned cell,
the inspector general shall release the cell.

(2)

The assigned cell shall be thoroughly searched prior
to placing the offender in the cell.

c.

Advise the witnesses a Stay of Execution has been issued.

d.

The Command Team shall inform the following teams of the
Stay of Execution:
(1)

Traffic Control Team Leader.

(2)

Critical Incident Management Team Leader.

(3)

Communications Director.

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(4)

Victim Services Coordinator.

(5)

Escort Team Leader.

The Traffic Control Team leader shall notify any protestors of
the issuance of the Stay of Execution.

Post Execution/Stay of Execution
1.

The Witness Escort Teams shall commence escorting witness
groups from H Unit in the prescribed order from the facility.

2.

Each group of witnesses shall continue to be kept separated from
the other groups at all times.

3.

News media witnesses shall return to the Media Room to
participate in the media briefing.

4.

Victim witnesses speaking with the media shall be escorted to the
Media Room.

5.

Media may remain on site in a designated location outside the
secure perimeter for a limited time to complete live broadcasts.

6.

The Victim Services team leader ensures the victim(s) receives
follow up phone calls and support.

Site Clean Up and Recording of Execution Drugs
1.

In accordance with OP-040109 entitled “Control of Contraband and
Physical Evidence,” the Special Operations Team leader shall
properly dispose of any execution drugs that have not been utilized.
The drugs will be inventoried on the form entitled “Oklahoma State
Bureau of Investigation Inventory of Drugs Submitted for
Destruction”
(www.ok.gov/osbi/documents/LABdestructForm.pdf)
and forwarded to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

2.

The warden of OSP shall witness the disposal of the unused
execution drugs and document the disposal in accordance with
procedure.

3.

The Special Operations Team leader shall document the name,
description, expiration date, and lot number of all execution drugs
used.

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4.

The Special Operations Team Leader shall save any packaging of
the used execution drugs or take photographs of such packaging of
items.

5.

Under supervision of a person designated by the warden, the
execution room shall be cleaned and secured. Institutional staff
trained in infectious diseases preventive practices shall utilize
appropriate precautions.

Normal Operations
1.

The Command Team shall determine when the prison shall resume
normal operations.

2.

ODOC staff shall be deactivated at the direction of the Command
Team.

Execution Documentation
1.

The division manager of West Institutions shall gather all
documents pertaining to the executions and forward to the general
counsel for archiving.

2.

The division manager of West Institutions shall attach a copy of the
death warrant and forward it to the general counsel, who shall then
forward it to the court from which it was rendered, indicating the
time and mode and manner of which it was accomplished. Copies
of the report and log shall be sent to closed records department for
filing. MBCC shall receive a copy for females that are executed.

After-Action Review
1.

Immediately following an execution, all of the Execution Teams and
the on-site administrators directly involved in the execution process
shall meet to review the process of the execution.

2.

Any unique or unusual events shall be discussed, as well as
opportunities for improvement and successful procedures.

3.

Actions and documentation of the events shall be reviewed to
identify any discrepancies.

4.

The review should serve as an opportunity for all involved
personnel
to
voice
their
opinions,
concerns,
and/or
recommendations.

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The review shall be formally documented and retained for future
reference.

Critical Incident Debriefing
1.

The Command Team shall ensure that critical incident debriefings
are available for the Execution Teams and staff participants
immediately following the execution.

2.

The Critical Incident Management Team shall conduct interviews in
accordance with Critical Incident Program guidelines.

Quality Assurance Review
The director shall designate the division manager for Field Support to evaluate
the performance of the execution process and report findings to the director.

IX.

a.

The division manager shall review documentation and training to ensure
compliance with the written procedure directive.

b.

The division manager may utilize assistance as necessary to compile or
assess the information, and may consult with others consistent with the
confidentiality of the process.

c.

Whenever appropriate, the division manager shall consult with a properly
trained medical person when reviewing the medical aspects of the
execution procedures.

d.

The division manager shall provide consultation and advice concerning
modifications in the written directive.

e.

The division manager shall prepare a report to the director following each
execution, with appropriate suggestions or recommendations as needed.

References
Policy Statement No. P-040100 entitled “Security Standards for the Oklahoma
Department of Corrections”
OP-030120 entitled “Offender Property”
OP-040109 entitled “Control of Contraband and Physical Evidence”
OP-110215 entitled “Rules Concerning the Individual Conduct of Employees”
OP-140111 entitled “Offender Deaths, Injury and Illness Notification and
Procedures”

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Robinson v. Maynard, 857 P.2d 817 (Okla. App. 1992)
21 O.S. § 142A-14
22 O.S. §1014 and 1015
X.

Action
The wardens of Oklahoma State Penitentiary and Mabel Bassett Correctional
Center are responsible for compliance with this procedure.
The associate director of Field Operations is responsible for the annual review
and revisions.
Any exception to this procedure will require prior written approval from the
director.
This procedure is effective as indicated.
Replaced:

Operations Memorandum No. OP-040301 entitled “Procedures of
the Execution of Offenders Sentenced to Death” dated September
30, 2014

Distribution: Policy and Operations Manual
Agency Website

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Attachments

Title

Location

Attachment A

“Notification Letter to Dignitaries/Law Enforcement
(sample)”

Attached

Attachment B

“Notification Letter to Offender Witnesses (sample)”

Attached

Attachment C

“Release of Remains and Burial Arrangements”

Attached

Attachment D

“Preparation and Administration of Chemicals”

Attached

Attachment E

“News Media Statement After an Execution”

Attached

Attachment F-1

“35 Day Information Packet”

Attached

Attachment F-2

“Summary of Rules and Procedures”

Attached

Attachment F-3

“Witnesses”

Attached

Attachment F-4

“Visitors”

Attached

Attachment F-5

“Last Meal”

Attached

Referenced Forms Title

Location

DOC 030120B

“Designation for Disposition of Property”

OP-030120

DOC 090211B

“Oklahoma Department of Corrections Request for
Record”

OP-090211

OSBI Form

“OSBI Inventory of Drugs Submitted for Destruction Website Link
and/or Other Items in OSBI Custody for Destruction”
http://www.ok.gov/osbi/documents/LABdestructForm.pdf