OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa, conducted an interim study in front of the Civil Judiciary Committee on parole processes in Oklahoma and how to assist people and agencies involved to ensure the best opportunities for rehabilitation of inmates.

“My hope is that through thoughtful, data-driven reforms, our state's pardon and parole system will operate as intended: to promote safety, uphold accountability, and create second chances where they have been earned, fairly and consistently,” said Stewart.

The study explored ways to identify areas of improving the efficiency, efficacy, and fairness of the parole process. Speakers from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Pardon and Parole General Counsel, District Attorneys, and those with lived experiences all came together to examine ways to better fund and support the Pardon and Parole system to best reintegrate inmates into society while also improving communication with victims.

Ways to do this are providing accessible mental health and substance abuse treatment for inmates and parolees, providing services that are not just limited to minimum security facilities, and better reentry programs that address an inmate's employment and reintegration.

With the collaboration of experts and the Oklahoma legislature, it is possible to execute a fairer and safer pardon and parole system that best serves all Oklahomans.

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