Oklahoma shouldn’t allow private prisons to reopen as immigration detention centers. Here are 6 reasons why. 

This article was co-authored by Gabriela Ramirez-Perez, Immigration Policy Analyst and Polina Rozhkova, Data Analyst. In the current administration, more and more immigrants are being funneled to detention centers or being held in other forms of federal Immigration and Customs… Read more [More...]

Community-led crisis response is working, but Oklahoma needs a statewide solution (Commentary)

Oklahoma City's new Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program represents a meaningful step toward the justice reform envisioned by Oklahoma voters nearly a decade ago. But expanding similar services beyond metro areas requires sustained commitment and investment from the state. [More...]

One step forward for youth this session, two steps back on investment

Oklahoma lawmakers passed new legislation this year to help protect and support children, especially those in foster care, the legal system, and with special needs. While these changes aim to keep kids safe, support families, and improve access to state… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma should do better for vulnerable youth. Here are some bills this session that can do just that. 

Oklahoma has an obligation to care for vulnerable youth in our legal and foster systems. This session, Oklahoma legislators have the chance to build upon recent progress to make benefits more accessible and enshrine protections for vulnerable youth in the… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker

Oklahoma has executed more than 125 people since the modern era of capital punishment began in 1976, which is by far the nation’s highest per capita rate for executions. Given the prevalence of capital punishment in our state and the… Read more [More...]

The Legislature is Working Against Itself

Once again, the Legislature is ready to work against itself when it comes to Oklahoma’s criminal justice system. The Legislature has advanced some bills that will remove barriers placed on justice-involved people. However, it has also entertained a number of… Read more [More...]

Long Sentences and Oklahoma’s Parole Process | Interim Study, October 2024

OK Policy's Criminal Justice Policy Analyst Cole Allen spoke with lawmakers on Oct. 29, 2024, about how long prison sentences impact the state's parole process. [More...]

Mental Health in Oklahoma Prisons and Jails | Interim Study, October 2024

OK Policy's Criminal Justice Policy Analyst Cole Allen spoke with lawmakers about how to improve mental health treatment in Oklahoma jails during an Oct. 28, 2024, interim study. [More...]

New report from OK Policy suggests reforms to improve outcomes for justice-involved youth

A new OK Policy report examines Oklahoma's youth justice system and suggests reforms to create impactful and transformative change for youth. [More...]

Courts should be last resort when addressing student truancy, absenteeism (Guest Article)

A new report the best way to address chronic absenteeism is for schools to work with parents, students, and community partners, rather than rely on punitive measures. [More...]