The use of alternative sentencing and diversion programs in Oklahoma has grown exponentially over the past 10 years. However, several barriers and opportunities still need to be examined to ensure Oklahoma uses these sentencing practices to best protect the public, serve the taxpayers, and support the individual participant.
Key points
- Alternative sentencing and diversion programs are in a perfect position to be improved upon in Oklahoma. It’s time for solutions based on data that favor taxpayers, preserve public safety, provide tangible outcomes, and improve communities.
- Oklahoma lacks proper data and oversight to ensure the success of alternative sentencing and diversion programs.
- The “tough on crime” policies that Oklahoma adopted in the past failed to make our state safer or reduce spending on corrections. Our state needs to focus on programs that make citizens safer and reforms offenders so they don’t victimize other citizens.