Locked In: How Oklahoma’s Harsh Sentences and Parole Process Keep People Behind Bars

In October of 2024, an interim study examined Oklahoma’s uniquely lengthy criminal sentencing. The study, requested by Rep. Danny Williams (R-Seminole), also examined the growing population of inmates 55 and over, the underutilization of parole-granting powers, and...

Diversion Hub: Bright Future, Current Successes

Diversion Hub connects justice-involved individuals to social services and programs to minimize their contact with the criminal legal system — reducing the pressure on Oklahoma’s jail and prisons. Clients receive various life stabilizing resources and assistance...

Live Free OKC: Impact on Gun Homicides in Northeast OKC

Live Free OKC hosted a press conference on July 1, 2024, to give a status update on gun homicides in Northeast OKC.Live Free OKC, founded in August of 2023, aims to dramatically reduce gun violence in impacted OKC communities through intervention and effective...
Meet the Team: Chris Krummrich

Meet the Team: Chris Krummrich

Get to know Chris better with our little Q&A, below, and check out his bio on our Who We Are page.What is one seemingly small thing that brings you joy? Being able to go exercise. It’s hard sometimes to find the motivation to go and do something physically taxing,...

read more
Warrant Clearing Event: Q&A

Warrant Clearing Event: Q&A

There are over 47,000 active warrants in Oklahoma County, some of them go back to the 70’s and many are for offenses as minor as missing a court date or being unable to pay fines and fees. Having a warrant creates numerous barriers to accessing stable housing,...

read more
Meet the Team: Jessie Valadez

Meet the Team: Jessie Valadez

Get to know Jessie better with our little Q&A, below, and check out her bio on our Who We Are page.What is one unexpected delight that brings you joy? I use to live near a bakery. The air smelled like freshly baked bread every morning, and I thought that was a...

read more
Warrant Backlog Needs To Be Resolved

Warrant Backlog Needs To Be Resolved

In the June 30 issue of the OKC Friday we wrote about an issue that significantly impacts the criminal legal landscape of Oklahoma – the staggering backlog of active warrants. With an extensive backlog of active warrants in Oklahoma County, we think it’s worth looking...

read more
Meet the Team: Mary Beth Buchanan

Meet the Team: Mary Beth Buchanan

Get to know Mary Beth (she/her) better with our little Q&A, below, and check out her bio on our Who We Are page.What is one seemingly small thing that brings you joy? I love watching my husband interact with my dog, Rooney. When Austin and I first started dating,...

read more