By Tess Field

On July 9th, at the Summer Policy Panel held by Oklahoma Policy Institute, I observed a roomful of people dedicated to positive change—individuals learning how to improve policy after earning their degrees. These young movers and shakers are poised to make a real difference.

The breakout session focused on criminal justice, and our panel consisted of Debbie Maddox, the current head of the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System; DeBorah Boneta, Director of Oklahoma Prison Support; and Matthew Allen-Morgan, whose considerable lived experience informs his work at Thunderbird Clubhouse and on the boards of Continuum of Care 504 and Food and Shelter Inc.

Criminal justice policy requires legislative reform. Statistics show that harsh sentencing has not positively impacted crime rates in Oklahoma, and a report from the U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs states that likelihood of being caught—not draconian punishment—is a stronger deterrent to crime. The current punitive model of our justice system does not align with our goals. Significant reform is required, as current practices are not achieving desired outcomes. When individuals are incarcerated, the resulting fractured families and long-term consequences cause persistent societal issues. Jails and prisons are unsafe; detention centers often lack sufficient, well-trained staff, and facilities are frequently obsolete and over-capacity. The trauma from incarceration can be disabling even for previously healthy individuals, and for those with pre-existing health or mental health concerns, incarceration can be difficult to survive.

Panelists agreed that while effective diversion organizations like Diversion Hub and alternative courts like the Anna McBride Mental Health Court are valuable, the best interventions would avoid the criminal justice system altogether. When interaction with the justice system is unavoidable, panelists noted that a more “social work” approach is necessary to achieve positive results.

Debbie Maddox, drawing on her 26-year career as a public defender, argued that systems serious about improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals must include those with “boots on the ground”—people like DeBorah, who works directly with these individuals, and Matthew, who has firsthand experience with the justice system.

DeBorah Boneta provided an invaluable and unique perspective. Her work as the only Islamic prison chaplain in Oklahoma offered deep insight into the lives and minds of individuals who have been incarcerated for extended periods.

Matthew Allen-Morgan was impressive. His story regarding the injustices of the “justice system” moved many in the room—and everyone at our table—to tears. His input on the panel was earned through his fearlessness in sharing his firsthand navigation of the legal system, and his story of experience, strength, and hope will undoubtedly fuel new policymakers to create a more humane and effective system for managing crime in our state.

By bringing together expert legal perspectives and the powerful, lived experiences of those directly impacted, this panel highlighted the urgent need for a more humane, social-work-oriented approach to justice. The stories shared served as a poignant call to action, inspiring the next generation of policymakers to advocate for systemic change that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. Ultimately, moving beyond the current punitive model is essential to building a safer, more equitable future for everyone in Oklahoma.