PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES IN OKLAHOMA COUNTY CRIMINAL
JUSTICE REFORM
In 2016, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, in partnership with local leaders, embarked on a transformative journey. Recognizing the need for change within the criminal justice system, we established the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Reform Task Force. The task force’s purpose was clear: assess the existing system, devise strategies to reduce jail population and create a justice framework that truly served the community. Guided by the insightful analysis conducted by the Vera Institute of Justice, the task force identified six crucial recommendations that would shape the course of justice reform over the next few years. Fast forward to today, and the landscape of criminal justice in Oklahoma County has undergone significant changes. Led by the creation of a permanent inter- departmental reform effort, the Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC), the collaborative initiatives have yielded remarkable results. However, the journey towards a more just society is far from over. A recent follow-up study by the Crime and Justice Institute (CJI) assessed the progress of the Vera Institute’s recommendations and found both improvements and challenges. To make its assessment, CJI analyzed data from the current detention center, reviewed state statutes and agency policies and interviewed numerous system stakeholders. ReMerge is one of several diversion programs which are helping reduce recidivism in Oklahoma County.
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