New study shows bail system in Oklahoma costs local governments millions of dollars

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A new study from the Oklahoma Policy Institute found the state’s bail system is costing both vulnerable communities and county governments millions of dollars each year.

Right now, money bail is required for pretrial release. People who are in jail awaiting trial can end up sitting in jail for weeks or months, simply because they can’t afford to make bond. Not only does that impact families across Oklahoma, it also puts a big financial burden on local governments.

According to the study, non-violent defendants spent more than 329,000 days in jails across the state, costing counties approximately $8.9 million in FY 2018.

“It’s a matter of financial responsibility,” said Kris Steele, director of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. “We don’t need to waste limited resources on pre-incarceration for low-level offenders. We ought to be investing in treatment, we ought to be investing in mental health caring, job training and family support services, and ultimately in programs we know will be successful in helping Oklahoma, collectively, move to the next level.”

Criminal justice reform advocates say the research highlights the need to pass Senate Bill 252, which limit the use of cash bail.

“The reality is, Oklahoma has the highest incarceration rates in the nation, and there’s no reason for that,” Steele said. “We can safely reduce our prison population, free up resources to invest in more effective programming, and reduce our crime rate – all at the same time – as proven in other states all around us.”

SB 252 passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. The bill would let people charged with non-violent offenses be released from jail without paying a cash bond, on the promise to appear back in court.

A judge would be required to look at the person’s history of missing court dates or other factors before granting a recognizance bond.

“What we’re seeking to do is eliminate cash bail practices for misdemeanor charges and non-violent felony charges, so that a person can be released and continue to work, maybe connect with resources that would help them deal with issues of addiction or mental illness, obtain stability and prove to the courts they can be a productive citizen,” said Steele.

SB 252 will now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee.