Data is key to bringing justice-involved people back to workforce

Originally published in The Journal Record: Melissa Walton is the executive director of the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council.

Many of our greatest achievements in crucial efforts like economic development and social reform have stemmed from the strategic use of thorough data. The economic growth in Oklahoma County and positive trends, like the reduced jail population, are a result of our data-driven decision making.

The Criminal Justice Advisory Council launched an interactive Detention Center Dashboard in 2021 as our first major effort to compile and share data that could drive improvements in our justice system. CJAC is proud to announce that, thanks to a partnership with Oklahoma Policy Institute, a newer, more comprehensive version is coming soon. CJAC is now seeking input from the public, in particular from those working in service nonprofits, reform work or policy creation, to help us build a more useful dashboard.

A clear, public-facing dashboard lets families, advocates, policymakers, and taxpayers, see exactly how many people are in jail, along with other data points like why they’re there, and for how long. This holds the system accountable. By tracking trends daily, we can spot barriers in the system and address them faster. In the long term, this transparency will help local leaders and nonprofits push for solutions that keep people out of jail when possible, like expanding mental health treatment, using diversion more often, or improving bail practices.

Read the full opinion editorial here.