JAN Praises Gov. Stitt’s Call For Continued Modernization of the Criminal Justice System

Washington, DC – The Justice Action Network (JAN) released the following statement in response to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s 2024 State of the State Address today:

“We applaud Governor Stitt for acknowledging that creating safe communities requires a dual approach of advancing public safety policies and facilitating individuals’ progression out of incarceration cycles,” said Lauren Krisai, Deputy Director at JAN. “We appreciate the Governor's ongoing commitment to modernizing all aspects of the justice system, and mentioning the need for a modernized approach to fines and fees as well as more transparency and accountability around civil asset forfeiture. The people of Oklahoma want fairness, transparency and accountability in their justice system and they will reward elected officials who deliver, just like they have done in standing by Gov. Stitt over the past five years."

In a 2023 poll conducted by WPAi and commissioned by Arnold Ventures and the Justice Action Network, a majority of Oklahoma voters said they feel safe, if not safer, than they did five years ago when the state of Oklahoma began implementing major public safety reforms that led to a reduction in the State’s prison population by the thousands, resulting in the closure of four state prisons. 

More than half of voters reported they are not tired of hearing about criminal justice improvements, with 71% of voters stating that not enough is being done to change the system.