A Step Forward for Criminal Justice Reform

Criminal justice reform is a very important topic being discussed in America today. On November 4, 2019, 462 Oklahoma inmates were released from prison. In 2016, Oklahoma voters had agreed to change simple drug possession and low-level property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Because of that, 462 non-threatening inmates were able to go home last Monday. 

However, Oklahoma is not stopping there: “The state is also making sure that the released inmates receive a state-issued driver's license or state-issued identification card — items that are key as those inmates begin to reenter society, apply for jobs and seek housing” (CLICK HERE to see what else Daniel Arkin has to say on the Oklahoma prison release). Oklahoma is helping these people to be reintegrated into society. 

Steve Bickley, the executive director of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, said that, "from Day One, the goal of this project has been more than just the release of low-level, nonviolent offenders, but the successful re-entry of these individuals back into society." After being excluded from the outside world for even just one year, it is often difficult for inmates to blend in. There are many obstacles for former inmates, and without guidance, these obstacles might set them on a bad path. Luckily, the state recognizes this and offers direction to those going home. This release will help many of the inmates re-enter their homes and the workplace with a clean slate.

Do you agree with this reform? Do you think these people deserve second chances? What else could the state do to reintegrate former inmates into society?