National Summit on Justice Reinvestment and Public Safety: Addressing Recidivism, Crime, and Corrections Spending

• NCJ Number: 235762
• Author(s): Marshall Clement; Matthew Schwarzfeld; Michael Thompson
• Date Published: January 2011
• Length: 98 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA); Public Welfare Foundation; Open Society Foundation; Pew Center on the States
• Corporate Author: Council of State Governments Justice Center
• Sale Source: Council of State Governments Justice Center
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report summarizes the remarks, research, and case studies highlighted during the National Summit on Justice Reinvestment and Public Safety on January 27, 2010, in Washington, DC.

Abstract

This report aims to assist Congress and practitioners by providing a concise articulation of four key principles to reduce recidivism and increase public safety. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the challenges facing American corrections. The number of individuals incarcerated or under supervision is high, and States generally bear excessive costs related to this population. Despite the money expended, the problems of incarceration and recidivism are getting worse; individual States are better equipped to make decisions that are both cost effective and enhance public safety. Chapter 2 provides examples of effective policies, practices, and programs. Important principles that underlie creating cost-effective corrections policies and programs begin by identifying those individuals who are likely to pose the greatest risk to public safety. Risk assessment tools enable criminal justice practitioners to evaluate individuals who are incarcerated or under community supervision and target those most likely to reoffend. Logical, research based supervision practices deliver the greatest return on taxpayer dollars. Case studies of statewide efforts in applying the justice reinvestment approach are presented in chapter 3. The process of implementing the approach is outlined, beginning with data analysis, followed by adopting policies and enacting strategies, and ending with performance measurement. Four States that have adopted the justice reinvestment approach are Texas, Kansas, Arizona, and New Hampshire. Each case study underscores how the approach can be implemented and adapted to suit the specific State's needs. Chapter 4 provides information on useful national resources. Federal efforts to reduce recidivism and support State and local reentry efforts, such as the Second Chance Act and the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Act, are highlighted as well. Appendixes