. . . For a Minute!
Or until there is the need to do it all over again for a large portion of those who have used a "get out of jail free" card. Then the 12 million will be taken out of savings, with much more added to it. Past, present and future victims have and will pay for so called Criminal Justice Reform. And for what? Why the "accelerated" one stage docket? I was taught that "haste makes waste" and the break-neck speed to empty prison beds is truly terrifying to me. What's the hurry? So Oklahoma can make history? Sheesh. What about our safety?
Maybe all this talk and action about so-called criminal justice reform may sound good in theory, but in reality, Oklahoma is going to suffer, and that makes me sick! Haste really does create mistakes, and mistakes can be devastating and deadly. Just ask a crime victim or survivor.
So, let's talk about the average prison population. My friend, the late Sheriff Delmar Coppock always said that criminals are never arrested and jailed for singing too loud in church! Exactly right, Sheriff. It's been my experience that criminals truly work hard to get to prison.
There are deferred sentences, then suspended sentences, then drug court, treatment, etc. And please remember, a first-time incarcerate is NOT the same as a first-time offender. Not in all, but in the majority of cases, I believe prison is a "last resort" actually. And an accelerated release from prison in any form is not as simple as a "second chance." It's usually a ten, fifteen or more chance.
And, non-violent offenders only? Please. Is an offender serving time on a simple possession charge "this time" make them non-violent? Not in my books. For example, in the interest of time and space, on the DOC Offender Search, I pulled up two inmates ON THE FIRST PAGE of the 793 inmates listed as being recommended (204474 and 159797) and their past crimes are 1st Degree Burglary, Felon Carrying Firearms, Carrying Weapon/Drugs/Alcohol into Jail, Escape From Jail, and Using Offensive Weapon in a Felony among many non-violent offenses. Yes, the CURRENT crime is simple possession, but would you want to live next door to these and countless others being released today? I wouldn't. So again I ask, how many of the 524 commuted inmates Governor Stitt processed and is releasing today are truly non-violent, first time offenders? I'd say, not that many.
And for what? Money saved and making history? Why don't we save money and make history by being the best state in the union for Victim Justice Reform, and not criminals?
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