Urban Institute, Microsoft Awards Grant To OKC’s Diversion Hub To Study Criminal Justice Reform

Oklahoma City's Diversion Hub helps people navigate the criminal justice system.

The Diversion Hub provides a way to get to court dates and even legal representation for people who face socioeconomic barriers. 

Now, officials hope a new grant will lead to solutions and help communities across the state. Through a grant program through the Urban Institute and Microsoft, Diversion Hub will have access to experts who study the criminal justice system. They want to reform the justice system in a way that’s productive for everyone.  

“We are costing a lot of taxpayer dollars that are going to lock people up, putting them on probation, and then wondering why they’re not successful,” said Meagan Taylor, executive director of Diversion Hub. 

Taylor's team at Diversion Hub her team tries to break cycles of incarceration in Oklahoma. “Focusing on the inequities and the inefficiencies in the system,” Taylor said. “We focused on a voluntary community justice hub that connects folks and individuals and families to needed resources.” 

Diversion Hub received a grant from the Urban Institute and Microsoft to analyze data to advance racial equity and reform in the criminal legal system. Diversion Hub was one of 27 organizations nationwide chosen for this effort. “It’s an honor,” Taylor said. 

Taylor hopes the results reveal better options to improve the lives of people who cycle in and out of jail.  

“How we can use that model to help more communities,” Taylor said. “The last thing we want to do is spend money and do programs that don’t actually help people.” 

Taylor said efforts like this offer cities a chance to help people build better lives. She said diversion programs allow everyone a chance to heal and become productive citizens.

“Better outcomes for our neighbors and community means safer communities,” Taylor said. “That’s where our community thrives. when we meet the needs of our community.” 

Taylor said they will publish the results of this data research so other community leaders can help offer potential solutions. Experts at the University of Central Oklahoma will help analyze data from the Diversion Hub as part of this project.