How can Oklahomans get those involved in justice system a chance for a new path?
It’s a job a newly launched task force will have to face
It’s a job a newly launched task force will have to face
It’s a job a newly launched task force will have to face
How can Oklahomans get those involved in our justice system a chance for a new path?
It’s a job a newly launched task force will have to face. It’s a way to review what works in Oklahoma’s criminal justice system, taking data from jails across the state and coming up with ways to keep Oklahomans safe and fewer people behind bars.
"I think it’s taking some of the concepts that we’ve seen work well in Oklahoma County and figure out how they work in the rural areas," said Timothy Tardibono, the executive director of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council.
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The MODERN Justice Task Force, announced this week by Gov. Kevin Stitt, will be made up of nearly a dozen people with various backgrounds in law enforcement, county leadership, behavioral services and more. Their task is to examine data from Oklahoma jails and other state jails and come up with solutions to reduce the jail population and get people involved in diversion programs in Oklahoma.
"What this modern task force will do is really look at what is working well in other areas within the state, and how do you scale those to match the rural areas which have differ challenges, different hurdles," Tardibono said.
The governor, Sen. Pro Tem Greg Treat, and House Speaker Charles McCall jointly requested support from a national organization, the Crime and Justice Institute, back in September. The Criminal Justice Advisory Council has worked with the organization and said this is a step in the right direction.
"That’s what really helped us as we looked at how to reduce the jail population safely and effectively and move those people that need addiction treatment, mental health treatment," Tardibono said.
Stitt also commented on the state’s commitment to strengthening public safety and ensuring our justice system works fairly and efficiently.
"With all three branches of government working together, we’re demonstrating to all four million Oklahomans the state’s commitment to strengthening public safety while ensuring our justice system works fairly and efficiently," Stitt said.
After completing its review, the MODERN Justice Task Force will provide recommendations to the legislature for their consideration during the 2024 legislative session, which is next February.
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