Megan Curran

English 1213

Project One Essay

Professor Hammett

27 March 2023

Word Count: 1223

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Breaking the Chains: Solutions for Oklahoma’s Female Incarceration Crisis

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         When it comes to the country with the world’s most incarcerated citizens, it would be reasonable to presume that infamous nations like Russia, China, or even North Korea, hold the world record, but that assumption would be wrong. America, renowned as the home of the brave and land of the free, holds the title for highest incarceration rate in the world holds the dubious distinction of having the world's highest incarceration rate. As Michael Doerge's thesis underscores, the United States alone accounts for, “for nearly 20% of the global incarcerated population with roughly 2.3 million incarcerated people as of 2020” (Doerge 6) adding, “Oklahoma alone has a world leading female incarceration rate of 106 females incarcerated per 100,000 citizens, which is higher than or equal to other leading incarcerators including China, Qatar, and the U.S. itself” (Doerge 6). This phenomenon begs the question: what factors contribute to such alarming statistics? America's prison practices are rooted in an antiquated system perpetuated by unjust and misogynistic societal views, facilitated by a lack of government oversight and transparency. As highlighted in a Christian Science Monitor article, this troubling reality is a “result of tough sentencing laws, zealous prosecutors, and a lack of alternatives to prisons” (Montlake 1). Despite decades of statistical evidence pointing to this concerning trend, a glimmer of hope emerges. It is possible to solve this beautiful state’s rampant social epidemic of the excessive incarceration rate for women, effectively and efficiently, with the adoption of modern legislation, drug treatment programs, and raising public awareness.

       Comprehensive bill reform stands out as the primary solution to address the epidemic of high female incarceration rates in the Sooner State. Oklahoma's adoption of tough-on-crime policies, such as mandatory minimum sentences, zero-tolerance policies, and three-strikes laws, seems to have affected mostly women, especially those who are uneducated and impoverished. Reforming sentencing laws to reduce penalties for non-violent offenses, particularly drug-related ones, which are often the primary cause for women's initial arrests, could effectively combat high female incarceration rates. This could involve revising mandatory minimum sentences and downgrading felonies to misdemeanors. Astonishingly, this theory was put to the test in 2016, when voters passed SQ 780, altering the classification of certain drug crimes from a felony to a misdemeanor. According to statistics gathered by OK Policy Institute, “SQ 780 reversed a long trend of increasing felony and decreasing misdemeanor filings across the state. Total felony filings fell by 28.4%” (Gentzler 1). This initiative drastically reduced prison sentences, especially for women. However, the introduction of HB 2153 in 2023 rolled back the historic progress achieved by SQ 780, by making drug possession a felony after a fourth conviction. While it does seem reasonable that after three misdemeanor drug convictions, a fourth would result in a felony, this revolving door of insufficient and meager legislation is just one of several contributors to high female prison rates. Nonetheless, clear, comprehensive, and unbiased bill reform, guided by the electorate's desires and impartial bipartisanship, remains a proven solution to mitigate the epidemic of high female incarceration rates.

       Rehabilitating women through cost-effective drug court and treatment programs emerges as a practical solution to address the issue of female incarceration, particularly for drug-related offenses. Drug possession serves as a significant factor behind female detainment, with many incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses associated with substance abuse and addiction. The prevalent approach of harsh punishment, such as prolonged prison stays, fails to offer essential treatment, which could be the culprit behind perpetuating the cycle of imprisonment and heightening the likelihood of re-offending. Moreover, incarcerating these women disrupts families and communities, as they frequently fulfill roles as mothers and primary caretakers. Additionally, it is economically wiser to offer drug court, saving taxpayer dollars to invest in such programs. An impassioned Oklahoma politician fervently asserted, “the state can reduce costs and the number of incarcerated women by being smart on crime. Why put someone in prison for a nonviolent offense at a cost of $19,000 per year, when they could be put in a drug court for $5,000? I think the taxpayers are at the point that they are demanding what is the most effective, best value for our dollar” (“Escaping the Cycle” 2). A compassionate approach prioritizing treatment over punishment is crucial. Prioritizing treatment and investing in mental health and substance abuse services reduces female incarceration. Embracing cost-effective alternatives like drug courts and rehabilitation addresses these women’s root causes, while saving taxpayer dollars. Transitioning to a rehabilitation-focused strategy meets demands for efficient public funds use, breaking the cycle of female incarceration.

       Raising public awareness, perhaps through a grassroots campaign, serves as a vital and proactive approach to addressing the needs of women ensnared in the criminal justice system, recognizing the unique insights of local communities, and offering tailored support and resources beyond inadequate government programs. Such initiatives target the specific challenges women encounter, promoting systemic change while providing reintegration support and assistance with housing, employment, and education to diminish recidivism rates. Additionally, they adopt a culturally comprehensive and competent approach by offering prison alternatives like vocational training, parenting classes, and rehabilitation programs. Involving women in decision-making processes, advocacy efforts, and leadership opportunities empowers them, amplifying their voices and cultivating systemic change within their communities. In her article from the Wallstreet Journal, Patricia O’Brien reflects, “The case for closing women's prisons is built on the experiences of formerly incarcerated women and activists who recognize that women who are mothers and community builders can find their way forward when they respected and supported” (O’Brien 2). Community-based solutions offer a holistic and responsive approach to supporting former convicts by providing early prevention and assistance, facilitating their successful reintegration into society post-release.

       To solve the proliferation of this crisis, actively acknowledging and addressing the issue is paramount. Through effort and dedication, it is possible to prevail. Advocating for policy reforms that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, supporting effective drug therapies, and promoting awareness of this social epidemic are all feasible solutions. However, to solidify this endeavor, further research is necessary to manage the specific needs and challenges faced by internment. By actively engaging in these efforts, Oklahoma can work towards an equitable and fair judicial system that supports the recovery and well-being of not only women, but all citizens.

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

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Doerge, Michael Gerard Jr. Culture of Honor and Female Incarceration. 2023 University of Oklahoma,        Master of Science thesis. file:///C:/Users/Hp/Downloads/2023_Doerge_Michael_Thesis.pdf. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.

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"Escaping the cycle: Officials ponder Oklahoma's high incarceration rate for women." Journal Record [Oklahoma City, OK], 17 Dec. 2010. Gale OneFile: Business, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A245135155/ITBC?u=odl_tcc&sid=bookmark-ITBC&xid=6cc3b0e6. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.

Gentzler, Ryan. “In its first year, SQ 780 reversed 10 years of growth in felony filings.” Oklahoma Policy Institute. okpolicy.org/in-its-first-year-sq-780-reversed-10-years-of-growth-in-felony-filings/. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.

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Montlake, Simon. "'Bad moms' or women in need of help? Oklahoma rethinks view of female inmates." Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2017. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A515073096/OVIC?u=odl_tcc&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=00d13e0f. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.

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O'Brien, Patricia. "We Should Stop Putting Women in Jail. For Anything." America's Prisons, edited by Jack Lasky, Greenhaven Press, 2016. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010108441/OVIC?u=odl_tcc&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=fba0567c. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024. Originally published as "We Should Stop Putting Women in Jail. For Anything," Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2014. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.