Oklahoma lawmakers are exploring new criminal justice strategies to reduce costs and crime

TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — On Monday, Oklahoma lawmakers gathered for an important interim study led by Senator Kurt and Representative Waldron on how we can improve our criminal justice system.

These diversion programs are intended to provide alternatives to prison, such as treatment.

Deputies heard from OKC-based Diversion Hub, which has served over 3,500 individuals and has a lower rate of convicted criminals who have committed a crime other than the national average.

According to Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, these programs are essential, more cost-effective and proven to reduce re-offending.

The OCJR also states that the FBI has seen a significant decrease in crime in OKC and Tulsa since 2018.

Currently, law enforcement in rural areas often has no choice but to use prisons to address mental health and substance abuse issues.

According to OCJR, less than 10 percent of Oklahoma prisons provide any type of mental health or substance abuse treatment, and Oklahoma currently has the 11th highest rate of mental illness.

Ultimately, lawmakers heard how we need to invest in treatment courts and services, improve data collection from prisons, and expand diversion programs statewide.

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