It comes as no surprise New Mexicans are scrutinizing the state’s use of pretrial detention, especially following headlines from the Solomon Pena case. But while this case is driving heightened public awareness of the state’s pretrial policies, the next steps essential to protect public safety have been pending for months, if not years, before this one case.

For years, criminal justice advocates have argued employment is one of the most important benchmarks for people’s reentry after prison to turn their life around successfully. Thankfully, both parties now see second chances as a moral imperative.

While some states have been doubling down on outdated “lock-’em-up” policies, elected leaders in Oklahoma have looked toward evidence-based ideas to improve correctional outcomes, reduce recidivism and improve workforce opportunities for people who have earned a second chance.