Right On Crime

NEW: CCJ’s Veterans Justice Commission released its third set of recommendations today, calling on Congress to reverse a ban on VA healthcare for incarcerated veterans and urging the business community to prioritize the hiring of veterans who have been involved in the justice system. https://lnkd.in/gvXJr6u4 ➡️ The 15-member commission, led by former U.S. Defense Secretaries Chuck Hagel and Leon Panetta, said a federal rule change formalized in 1999 barred VA-provided care for veterans behind bars, reversing 70 years of practice. That left veteran care in the hands of non-VA providers, who typically lack specialized training to treat PTSD and other service-related conditions. The commission calls this a problem–for veterans and public safety—because such “invisible wounds of war” can drive criminal behavior if left unaddressed. ️➡️ To support successful reentry, the commission said government agencies and small and large companies should include veterans with criminal records in their “second chance hiring” efforts, honoring veterans’ sacrifices and helping them thrive in the country they have served. The commission created a model hiring policy outlining best practices for employing justice-involved veterans, receiving support from the Second Chance Business Coalition. ➡️ “Too many veterans leaving our criminal justice system struggle to find work and resume their lives as contributing members of their families and communities,” Commission Chair Hagel said. “This is unacceptable. America’s business and government leaders must do more to honor veterans’ service to this country by reducing barriers that bar them from the jobs they need to succeed.” ➡️ The commission also urged the federal government and states to enact “second look” legislation enabling veterans to receive mitigation considerations for military service in resentencing, parole, and clemency processes. Other recommendations include eliminating administrative barriers that restrict housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated veterans and asking Congress to fund and direct the Department of Justice, through the National Center for Veterans Justice proposed by the commission, to coordinate research on veterans housing units in jails and prisons and develop best practices for their use. Explore the report and the commission's earlier work: https://lnkd.in/g2zEkxzJ Jim D. Seward, Olivia McLarnan, Lindsey Kirchhoff, Carla Bugg, Pelicia E Hall, Mark Inch, Alford McMichael, Vincent Patton, EdD, Jo Sornborger, Giancarlo Cambrelén Santiago, Saydyie DeRosia, BERLYNN FLEURY, Michael Nail Kathy Sanchez

Oklahoma lawmakers learned Monday that violent crime is down overall… but in rural areas with limited access to diversion programs, crime is on the rise 👀

How do rehabilitative services impact our justice system? 🤔 Oklahoma Director Marilyn Davidson talked about creating real and lasting change through policy to make our system and communities stronger on The ROC Podcast ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gn9nzHEp

When people can reintegrate to society successfully they’re less likely to reoffend, making our streets safer and our justice system more effective 👏 Automatic expungements for those who qualify help reduce barriers to jobs, housing, and stability. For individuals who’ve paid their dues, #cleanslate legislation offer a path to rebuilding their lives, which strengthens our communities and boosts public safety.

Each year, thousands of veterans will transition from service and go into our communities. For some, this transition is easy, but for others it presents a more difficult challenge, exasperated by their time in service from Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, chronic pain, and strained relationships from multiple deployments which can lead to a criminal record and incarceration. Click here for more from ROC Florida Director Christian Cochran on the treatment of our veterans in the criminal justice system 🇺🇸👇 https://lnkd.in/gbgnmZxY

Allowing prosecutors to reconsider sentences for individuals who’ve shown rehabilitation ensures that we’re using resources where they’re needed most—on the real threats to our communities 👇

What if we told you that second looks could make us safer? In states where prosecutors have the option to initiate resentencing, the data is clear: nearly 1% recidivism rates. That’s a success story for public safety 👏

Rehabilitative programming in correctional facilities ultimately leads to public safety. ROC KY Director Joey Comley broke down the importance of these programs with VA and WV Director Danny Murphy on The ROC Podcast 👇 https://lnkd.in/gp-Vsykv

“What you’ve done in your past, you can only correct with your future.” 👏 Thank you The Clean Slate Initiative for highlighting ROC Regional Director Scott Peyton, CNP and his impactful perspective.