OJPC’s policy reform agenda is transformative and rooted in our client-centered approach. For system change, we focus on the experiences of the people directly affected by the criminal legal system—our clients.

Mass incarceration didn’t and doesn’t work. Research shows it fails to deter crime effectively, increases recidivism, exacerbates poverty, and has little impact on overall crime reduction compared to other societal factors like an aging population, economic stability, and education.

We seek to reduce mass incarceration and its effects in Ohio while refocusing lawmakers on the investments in prevention that work.

We work to address excessive punishments and overly harsh sentences through adoption of a second look statute. People are more than their worst mistakes.

We believe in second chances and that there are too many laws creating artificial barriers that needlessly harm people decades after a criminal conviction. These legal barriers limit life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness after a person’s debt is paid and have no place in our society. People deserve a clean slate and the chance to thrive after criminal sanctions end. Click here to learn more.

Finally, we know incarceration must be as restorative as possible. Most people are eventually released from incarceration. We advocate for humane and improved prison conditions and stand up to efforts that jeopardize our goal of safely returning citizens to their communities and families. We push lawmakers to fund and prioritize an Ohio prison system that is just, sets people up for success, and reduces recidivism.