| City/Town: • Sand Springs |
| Location Class: • Government • Jail |
| Built: • 1972 | Abandoned: • September 2011 |
| Status: • Demolished |
| Photojournalist: • Billy Dixon • Michael Schwarz • Mary Evans |
In 1972 The L.E. Rader Detention Center opened in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Over the years several laws were passed regarding juvenile centers such as Rader. Due to one of the laws passed in 1974 Oklahoma facilities could not accept grants, therefore shielding the state from federal scrutiny.Years later in 2005, U.S. Justice Department officials and experts inspect Rader. This resulted in a lawsuit against the state and the state Office of Juvenile Affairs by failing to protect Rader youths from sexual and physical attacks. Assaults continued at Rader until OJA and Justice Department officials begin a court-ordered settlement conference in 2008. At that point the decided to build a new facility in Ada, citing budget cuts and rising operational costs. In September of 2011 the Rader center closed. Article below goes into detail.
Tulsa World Article – L.E. Rader Center Set To Close
SAND SPRINGS – The L.E. Rader Center in Sand Springs will close Sept. 30, and the state Office of Juvenile Affairs, which operates the juvenile detention facility, has no plans to open a new one. The 50 juvenile offenders who are at Rader will be transferred to other facilities, OJA Executive Director Gene Christian said Wednesday. Rader’s 130 employees also could transfer to other facilities, but OJA also intends to offer voluntary buyouts and have a reduction in force, Christian said. Efforts to modernize the Rader facility, which opened in 1972, were unsuccessful, he said. Once it is empty, the facility will be torn down, he said. Rader’s budget is about $8.4 million, with between $900,000 and $1 million of that amount going for contract beds, Christian said. The Office of Juvenile Affairs is preparing for a 5 percent – or roughly $5 million – budget cut from the Legislature, he said. “There are no funds for any type of new facility,” Christian said. “We are absorbing the cuts by doing this.”
Last July, not enough beds were open at other facilities to transfer the juveniles from Rader, Christian said. However, that has since changed, he said. “I can’t say that juvenile crime is decreasing,” but referrals to the agency are down by about 22 percent, Christian said. The state currently has a total of 70 open beds at the Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center in Tecumseh and at the Southwest Oklahoma Juvenile Center in Manitou. Contract beds outside the state system also could be used to house the juvenile offenders from Rader, he said. About 24 juveniles are in the maximum-security Intensive Treatment Plan at Rader, said Paula Christiansen, an OJA spokeswoman. Christian said the agency hopes to contract with jails or detention centers to provide a more secure setting for the juveniles who need it. Trish Frazier, Oklahoma Public Employees Association policy and research director, noted that “for several years, OJA leadership has discussed the need for more secure beds.” “Closing Rader will put juvenile offenders that require a higher security level in less-secure facilities. In addition, the system will lose beds needed for detention and rehabilitation of troubled youth,” she said.
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I was a resident there back in 04-06. Itp unit 3 gz on 3. To be real this shit crazy. We had sun coo staff an teachers there shout out ms Mac an ms folks an ms Hubbard etc. but feels like yesterday walk-in down itp halls goin to skool or the gym. Grinding to get community so we can go home oh an my cheese mr mckinsik. Holla at me any info.
What about Ms Marks
I was in this hell hole for 3 1/2 years. You were either a wolf or a sheep and I learned to be a wolf real fast, learned to fight real fast! I was on mercury for most my stay had several “homies” I met who are all mostly dead or doing life. I was able to get out and adjust. The gangs were ridiculous I fought alot was finally left alone cause they realized that I would fight. The money and drugs and cigarettes that ran through that place was all brought in by staff. I know because I used to run cigarettes in there we all did what we had to do to survive I was choked unconscious by security because I tried to to leave my room to use the bathroom. During lockdown. I won that battle in the end they all got fired and I eventually got released. This post gave me ptsd flashbacks. But I’d still like to go back and explore the ruins one thing this place did teach me was to not back down from anyone or be a “punk” I held my own with some the biggest gang bangers there and today I am a better person for that!
[spoiler title=”ToddyG 1982-83″] [/spoiler]
[spoiler title=”ToddyG 1982-83″] [/spoiler]
[spoiler title=”I was a resident from 1982-83 and one of the first girls at ITC along with two other girls “] [/spoiler]
I am a former resident of this place I learned alot from here that did not set in until I was 40 years of age ..I do however love the staff I learned alot from them
Can anybody give me the address to this place?
Its torn dow now i believe. Webco bought the land and is now working on it. i google mapped to location and it was gone.
I was staff there in mid to late '90's. I don't know who was more terrifying..the staff members that were in gangs or the residents that were trying to do evil sick things but with all that going on there were residents who made it worth the risk to come in every day. To protect them, to see the light in their eyes, to help them work their way out and to show them I cared. My rear was saved on more than one occasion by residents who was as protective of me as I was of them. I quit twice and felt bad for it but each time my life was on the line. If you remember Miss Reeves know that if you thought I may have cared it's because I did.
I was a resident at this facility back in 1996. I spent my 17th birthday in this place. I was from western Oklahoma and was entering a entirely new group of delinquents. I was the first one from our county to ever been sent to this place. That being said I was along way from home. I learned that what I was getting into trouble for and people I was hanging around with was nothing compared to some of these kids I was in here with. The gangs and violence my cottage mates are living with day to day its a wonder there all even still alive. I really have nothing much to say about this place. It was horrifying coming from were I was from to being locked away witnessing things here that I will never be able to forget. To this day every fall when I go outside in the mornings that smell of the air still reminds me of PT at this place.
I kept in touch with only one fellow inmate only because he was just located in OKC. I went to his house to visit him and again being involved with guys like this was an entire different world. While on his yard visiting he became nervous as some car began to drive up. Soon I found out why. This car began shooting at his place. WTF. No body was hurt but this is the type of guys I was just thrown into at a facility far from home. I understand what I did to get there was I guess the judges call but damn. My eyes were opened alright. In the Loyde E Rader Center I really had to stand my ground because I was in for more of a fight for my life than a simple punishment.
I was an inmate there for four years(from 14 to 18). I was beaten almost every day from both staff members and other inmates. I was raped while there also. So I'm very glad that that place is closed. No one should ever have to go through what I went through while I was there
Looks like we made it John. In pieces but we did brother. Be at peace.
Is it possible for the photographer to contact me? I would like to have permission to use a few of the photographs please? For personal reasons. Thank you.
My brother was locked up there his entire teenage years on a murder charge. They had an age limit on visitations so I didn't get to visit until I was a teenager. My family visited every Sunday (visitation days). I was too young to remember much.
I do recall my brother got in an altercation in the shower with fellow inmates. In self-defense he punched an inmate so hard he broke his own hand. A nurse from the facility called my parents privately to inform them that my brother needed triage & to call the center.
My brother took his own life after prison. I always thought this place left some demons in him.
i learned alot and im still in contact with the guys i was there with..most are in prison at max yards,i think oklahoma should pay some of us for the shit that place did to us
Thanks so much for the photos it brings back alot of momorys I spent 3 years there many many years ago it wasent easy but realy tought me a good lesson in life when and where I was it Apollo cattage was strict Miss Love ran it a little old black lady she was tuff but showed alot of love we always got cleanest cottage most of the time and that gave us some perks.I remember us with tape on our hands getting any little pieces of lint offf the carpet.The staff were realy good when I was there some of my favorites were x-vets and we they played alot of dominoswith us and tried to speek life into us.Seeing those picts brings backs some memorys I was there from 14 to17 years old and im 45 now wow long time where did it go LOL..The picts of the basket ball jym where we shoot hops and played volley ball and the poll where we swam what a blast from the past.Well thanks agian for the picts.God Bless from Califorina James Boughan
our house parents in 1976 were olyimpic power lifters and they were awsome. wed get to cook our own breakfast on sun.
I've seen how you all have said the staff abused the residents and I'm sorry for that but you'll find comfort in knowing my uncle is a police officer and he is the kindest man I've met in a while , he is also a security guard at many places in the city , if you would like someone to talk to I can hook you up with his info and he would be happy to talk with about your experiences at radar , contact me at lindsborggirl29@gmail.com
You could also talk to me if you would like too
He might be a little interesting … but he has OCD and sometimes acts a little weird , but he's great at his job and can answer any questions you might have about why they would treat you this way .
It looks like a school with prison cells and a pool lol
The pictures on the window that the prisoners drew about Jesus gives me hope that maybe when they left Jesus changed them
I was once a resident there as well it was a horrible place. I was 16 and pregnant and got denied every time I was supposed to get out for one reason or another. Abuse was a normal thing there and it was such a horrible experience for me.
I'm so sorry i hope you and your child are doing great
Did anyone know a Patricia Lynn Taylor that was a resident here in the early 80's?? If so, I am her youngest sister looking for her! Please reach out to me at aprilvgentry@gmail.com
Looking for a former resident. Patricia Lynn Taylor was her maiden name. I am her youngest sister. She was tall and had red hair. If she sounds familiar please reply to me at ajon2784@yahoo.com.
Abuse abuse abuse . Keep it gone
my husband was in this place for longer than he deserved and now having children of our own saddens me hearing all the horrible stories that happened to him and other kids that attended this place. We have learned that they are conducting a lawsuit against the facility due to these issues. If you or a loved one have been a victim of RADER and would like to discuss what happened please send me an email. Paulasr2008@yahoo.com
I am just a normal person not a lawyer or anything official. I just believe that all the kids that were harmed in this facility should be compensated for all the pain and suffering that took place in their lives at that time. My husband says that he was given many different types of medication for testing of the medicine, says that they did this to all the kids there. now he suffers form PTDS, Trauma, Bipolar and so many other different mental disabilities. We have spoken with different staff saying that their was corruption within the facility between the staff and students. I want my husband to find peace of mind and hopefully move on from these traumatic events of his life..
I don’t know if anyone is still checking this site out , but I was there back when I was like at the end of my 13th year and I spent a long time in there , it was supposed to be for a 14-30day evaluation that never happened. I went straight to Aquarius cottage and remained there with no information about my evaluation or when I could be released . I was there “working the program for about 15 or 16 months , and finally I was told that it was just cause they had no where to put me , yet. And I can attest to the antipsychotics they’d force feed you in pill form or even in liquid if you weren’t trusted to keep ‘em down also there was abuse , and everything got overlooked. I’ve seen broken jaws , broken necks , broken arms , ruptured spleen, victims of sexual assault they also had skinny ass 12 and 13 yr old kids housed with 18 or 19 yr old men, (boys , but more mature !) guys that had already been locked up there for extended periods and routinely hit the weight room and did push ups etc everyday! Hell by the time I left I could leg press 1020 lbs and average bench was like 215 or 225 for workouts .
By the way I was there in 87 /88 almost into 89
I watched mr foster break keith macks arm for no reason. The other staff hadda hold me back from helping kmack. Another time same guy choked out deanglo harding, put his finger in his nostrils while he was choking him. Same staff held me down. I ended up getting 1 year doc and bridged over for whooping the staff who kept holding me back while these other staffs was hurting my peers. I was there one month after my passes 2 weeks longer then i should have been and ended up going to county with a new case.
GLAD ITS SHUT DOWN!!!!!!
Sharon, did you go to this facility?
i was there in87-88 and there was fighting every day!! very violent.. the staff could not stop it!! it was not the staffs fault. they were way understaffed!!!! we juveniles were warehoused then. it may have got better but was definately not rehabed. no treatment then at all it was prison… still sad to see it come down. wish i had changed then, did not . am drug free now for four years. did time in a mexican prison… hope kids can have a place to get help and not warehouse them!!!!
That place was a giant fraud ! Period , there were good people that worked there , like Mr. Lewis , Ms. Betty Reid, Brian (former football player with a bad finger joint , Pam and bill or Tom , I can’t remember the staff supervisor , she wasn’t very nice at all and really caused ppl like me a lot of extra time by making us have to start a level over or putting us on stupid 15 minute cards and then hourly for 2 weeks , that was 2 work , then 3 then 4 then you did community cards and didn’t have to sign in so much and if you got accused of something , even a slight disrespect of someone , you wouldn’t get a staff to initial your cards
I was there back in 1996/1997 and learned a lot. It changed my life and the staff cared for us. I would love for it to be opened again or else open a facility like it one day. If it can change me, then why not open it so it can change another. Every changed life is worth it!!! Give glory to GOD!!!!
Did you know any resident there by the name Grover James Jr??? I’m his son looking for closure
I got in there just before they tore it down, and was in there most the night with another. We shot most of the place before we left. We even got shots of the blue prints of the building. I think they are still posted on UER.
Lets get real here the idea of radar was brilliant but it was not managed correctly this place needs to fixed up and should not goto waste god plz let us come ttogether to save our youth somthin needs to b done
I used to be there to, I fought security, fist fighting I was 15 they where grown. Not only that staff played favorites, kids where being sexually assaulted by other juveniles on certain units it was bad. Tons of blind spots, stayed fighting in there or u got ran over. I got my life together but only the strong made it out of their without being took advantage of, opened my eyes enough that I knew prison wasn't to far off from this place, The day I got out I told myself Im never going back, so far so good. Keep it closed, that place is n0o good.
I used to be a juvenile delinquent there a long time ago and I've had a lot of educational memories and learning lessons add I remember when the staff was really respectful andand I have learnt a lot I think that it was a good place for some juveniles that was in the wrong path to straighten their selves up and go to better themselves so I hope its someday that it will open back up
Hello. I have a 13 year old that needs discipline for his actions.
And his father is a real genius posting this on a site dedicated to abandoned buildings.
my brother was sent there when i was fourteen and they garnish my child support checks when he got sent there i think i shouldnt of got punished for his mistakes that wasent right
WOW… I USED TO BE A RESIDENT THERE ALONG TIME AGO…HOWWOULD I GET PERMISSION TO WALK THE GROUNDS AGAIN?
Why would you seriously want to? My time was in 1976. Never would set foot there. I'm very happy it was leveled. Just my thoughts.
Very bittersweet seeing my old Unit 4 over on the ITP side. Seems like only yesterday I was walking the ITP halls on my way to the B-ball court. :/
Being a former resident I would say that way less than half of the staff actually cared about us and our treatment progress. Don't get me wrong, I was more than happy to leave when I did (who wouldn't be) but I am very conflicted in my feelings towards the facility being closed.
Rader was a huge part of what I consider the end of my childhood, hell, I even had my wisdom teeth pulled during my stay there. I witnessed abuse from staff inflicted upon "unruly" residents that I wish I could forget, and it is true that the cameras were strategically placed so staff could "restrain" residents off camera without fear of being sued. I was a rare success story and i have thrived in life due to my time there, but there are countless kids that I can't say the same about and had they had the guidance that I received I know they would have had a chance to graduate the program. Instead most of my peers are now in prison and I often think about them, even today almost a decade later.
All things considered I say good riddance to the facility in general but I just wanted to point out that amidst all of the abuse and corruption in that horrible excuse of a treatment facility that there were a few of us that benefited from our time there.
-Anonymous
I have a few questions about a resident that may have stayed here please if u think u can answer my questions then call me at 9182003478 or 9184065299 please please
If you applied a named, just first, and a time frame…. maybe. I've had no luck but you might. Good luck and God bless.
Dawn do you remember a girl named Tammy lewis
I resided in Aquarious. I had the joy of arriving on my Sweet 16. It was hell from the first day. I'm 49 now and still haunted at times. Forced examinations. I refused. I went to Gemini. I was a virgin and scared. No one cared. I was adjudicated as INS because my 'incubator' severely abused me. Because of my age no foster
homes available. Because of my adjudication it was hell. Now it's impossible to find anyone I knew that was human. Total loss of that period of my life except for letters between cottages, a few pics and track awards. GOOD RIDDANCE.
There in 1977 vickyharger61@gmail.com
Wow, you think half of them cared, that's a lot of faith. As for me, I went to New Start, and as a result, I was finally able to get out of the system. I spent 3 1/2 years of my juvinille life in institutions. It was only when I escaped and committed a crime, that I was able to finally get out of those places. Working the level system was nearly impossible, but having only 3 months and knowing that I would be getting out in that time, allowed me to finally exit the revolving door
I'd like to talk to you!! Violetsandals@gmail.com
I'm working in a facility like this and am having a rough time.
I was there in 1976 and it was a awesome place. ive got fond memories of my time there. Until the day of my evaluation I got in a fight in the gym. Hello OCC taft. which was also pretty cool just a lot bigger. better than Helina id suspect.
i stayed at the center in apllo cotage sevral times never wonce was mistreated
So very true to who u are I was a x resident my self and you cover the base of what went on and kodod for bettering your life and stay on that road
le rader is gone being demolished now
yea some abuse happened when I was there from April 2000 to October 2002
but it was both sides. There some staff that took their job to heart and their
were some that didn't care the ones that did care helped me. I don't know
how it was after I left . I hate to see it go.
I was there from this time frame. 2001-2004 it was always going down I used to reside on mercury
I worked there ms marks
The waste and abuse here is absolutely unforgivable…..The taxpayers were abused and every child that went through here was denied the care, attention and education necessary to mend and rehabilitate their lives….Politics strikes again and the taxpayer and people suffer for the abuse of trust…….Pathetic….
Just went there myself and took pics.. I believe sandsprings owns it now due to back taxes or something..
My son was sentenced to 6 months there and becasue of his brain damage from birth he ended up doing 3 years becasue they weren't equipted to handle brain damage in children therefore they just kept giving him more time amd more time. He was abused by staff adn other inmates. At one time the staff even refused to let me see him after one bad altercation. I personally seen the fingernail marks on his neck where one staff choked him. This place ruined any hopes for my son. The kids and staff knew where the cameras were and just were to fight without being seen, I am glad it's gone.
This is sad, but true. I was in this place, but fortunately for me, I was in the New Start program. I did 3 months and was gone. The problem with places like this is that you have to work your way up a level system to get out.
If you want to go up a level, you have to not only behave, but you have to also repel the haters who don't want to see you make it
I'm sorry that you and your son had to go through that ,ps I like your name it's also my stepmoms name
Drove by today. It still stands looking as sad as it can be. If only the building could talk. Sad, sad, sad.
I was a security officer there for a short while but I was fired when I stopped abuse of a juvenile from another officer. I made sure he never did it again but hated to leave for fear of what others might do in my absence. It does me good to know there were some that did well. I often think about that place.
If what you say is true, then I commend you. Forgive me for my doubts, for I was a resident there
I there from april of 2000 to October 2002 some ssecurity officers would help residents and their are some that abused residents
S Daniel did you know a Patricia Lynn Taylor while you were working there? She was tall and had very red hair. It would have been in the early 80's.
Were you a former resident? What year did you go there if you were? I am looking for a Patricia Lynn Taylor, she is my oldest sister.
Patti,
This is a shot in the dark but I'm looking for someone named Patricia Lynn Taylor born 11/23/65 who may have resided in the facility in the early 80's – is that you?!?! If so… you're family is looking for you!!!
Please contact me – samantha@wesearchtoconnect.com
Was there for over three years as a resident crazy to see it look like this I learned a lot while I was there sucks to see it torn down
WHAT U SMOKING THINK GOD THIR TEARING IT DOWN THAT PLACE WAS HELL CUZ!!!!!!!!!
I just drove past this yesterday. There's still a sign for it on the highway that led me to think it was still open, so you can imagine my surprise coming back to this site for the first time in many months and seeing this article.
Can anyone offer any speculation about why, at the end, the place had only 50 residents but 130 employees? It sounds like a tremendous make-work program but I have to say that as an outsider to the machinations of Oklahoma government.
I think that they the itp aka maximum security units open there were 4 units with 14 beds per unit
There were no failed attempts to modernize this facility, the OJA Director failed to maintain it and made sure that he could create justification for it's demise, as it was the most up to date facility of all of OJA ,s . Politics and corruption destroyed Rader.
I agree Ms. Shields. As for my time there, I was there mid '09 until June '10. The staff I had on Mercury were great, they really loved what they did, they saved my life, I have been out for 4 years now, I am married, and except for one misunderstanding, I haven't been in trouble since. Honestly looking at these pictures I can remember walking down those halls, I can remember Medical, and the pool, the cafeteria. Ms. Blythe was one of my teachers. I see these pictures and I am saddened that politics took away the facility that I owe my life to. I just want to say thank you, to all the staff that I encountered during my time at Rader.
My husband worked there more than 20 years. It saddens me that the State handled things the way they did regarding the destiny of this facility and it's employees. The State likes to set limitations, which they deem necessary for the good of the youth, but these same limitations directly affected the ability of each juvenile to successfully complete the program. Not strict enough or harsh enough punishments were allowed so the kids would be taught the meaning of consequences to their actions or accountability. It is said that these juveniles safety is a priority…. What about the safety of the rest of us when these "kids" grow up and are released back into society? I realize my frustrations with the State or "powers that be" will fail to matter. But, there were a lot of good people (employees) passed through the gates at Rader.
As a resident….. The abuse I endured did not justify anything. I was not a delinquent and yet I was treated like one. The staff turned their heads so the "Favorites" could run the cottages. Typical political BS. There were so many cover ups.
Dawn I agree with you I got abused by security and nothing happened to the security officer that did I got threatened to say it didn't happen I had bruises and marks to prove it
Mr. Carson is your husband. I was there in 97 and was in his new start program. I was from Fairview Ok, Would love to say hello and let him know I am doing great now. He was a good man even have some old pics before I left.
I was there in 76 and the staff was amazing! House parents were Olympic power lifters. the training facility was in Sand Springs.I actually have fond memories of D&E. Just saying.
no hate or anything but, the state closed Hissom because the institution was abusing disable kids. the state handled it in a very good manner. I bet you didn’t know this but over 800 disable kids were SEVERELY injured at Hissom. Just think about it as if it was your own kid who was getting abuse.
Makes me wanna cry… Lots of great memories there…
Wow! My mom worked there for years! Sad to see it in this shape.
Where did your mom work and her last name
do you know when it's scheduled to be torn down? also, do you know who owns it?
WOW! Wonderful photography and very cool place! Keep up the good work! 😀