WHAT THE HELL?!

There was so much on the news this morning about criminal early release that I don't even know where to start talking about what is wrong with the current state of affairs in Oklahoma. So, I guess I'll start with the first thing out of my mouth when I turned on the news….. What the hell!?!

Apparently, the Pardon and Parole Board (PPB) is being inundated with commutation requests due to Governor signing legislation making state question 780 retroactive, even though it doesn't go into effect until November this year. The news goes on to say the new law also directs the PPB to establish a fast-track, one-stage mechanism of release for those convicted of crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors……… this time. Violent versus non-violent is another blog topic coming soon. But right now, I want to focus on the commutation requests, 750 to date this year and growing rapidly. What about public safety? What about Victim Justice Reform? What about us, the good guys? Do you think we are doomed, because I do.

I've said it before, and I'm still saying it now, I cannot and will not support current sentiment, legislation and/or favorable criminal bills establishing inmate releases earlier and earlier, all in the name of creating bed space and so-called criminal justice reform.

Next, I see that the Governor approved two new positions for the PPB administration to help with the extra work. But, those positions didn't get in the mix in time for this year, so that extra help with all the extra work is on hold until next year. Sorry guys. Work your butts off on legislation that again favors the criminals. I know the current PPB administration and investigators will do just that, no matter the personal costs because they are consummate professionals. But it still isn't right.

And then, there's the paragraph that orders an accelerated one stage process, again for the sake of bed space and "hurry-up"! But, please, please remember that haste really does create mistakes, and mistakes can be devastating and deadly. Just ask a crime victim or survivor.

Finally, Governor Stitt has made many, many changes to the governmental system as he promised to do. But in my opinion, change for the sake of change is not necessarily a good thing. Oklahoma does need to turnaround, starting right here and starting right now. But please turn it around for all of us, not just the criminals.

www.victimjusticereform.com