California Budget & Policy Center’s Post

“Even though tough-on-crime policies are sweeping blue cities, violent crime has fallen back down to 2019 levels in the U.S. after spiking during the pandemic ... But the perception of crime remains high. 63% of Americans say crime in the U.S. is very or extremely serious, according to Gallup. That’s the highest share in decades — and up from 48% in 2018.” #ToughOnCrime #CriminalJusticeReform #PoliceReform

In the midst of an election year, as we rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19, crime is a real concern for many. Policymakers owe us smart, effective, equitable solutions. But as The American Prospect's Hassan Kanu lays out with data from us & others, blaming bail & other pretrial reforms is not one of them. Following data will lead to better long-term safety. Read more: https://bit.ly/4dMpM3W

Recent headlines emphasise the urgent need to address prison overcrowding. While temporary solutions are being considered, we champion a long-term, sustainable approach: employment. ✔️ Our model has proven to reduce reoffending rates, provide pathways to stable futures, and ultimately keep people out of prison whilst also benefitting the economy and society. Recent proposals are nothing more than putting a band-aid on a problem. We might see a reduction in numbers at first, but it simply isn't sustainable. The question we should all be asking is, Why is the government investing in short-term solutions instead of supporting a proven long-term model? #Rehabilitation #PrisonReform #CriminalJustice

“We lock up more [people] and we lock them up for longer. [...] That would be a good thing only if it were supported by evidence of an overall benefit. But it is not.” 'The new government has a chance to adopt a radical approach.' Short-term political backlash (which is pretty inevitable) to reform has to be worth the long-term alleviation of this mounting pressure. From the recasting of certain crimes to non-custodial sentencing, however it manifests something has to be done to reverse this trend. #prisonreform https://lnkd.in/emPHWnsj

In discussions about prison reform, it's crucial to recognize the shortcomings of our current systems and the imperative to enhance rehabilitative measures. A glaring issue lies within parole systems, where the looming risk of recidivism persists. This risk underscores the formidable task of effectively evaluating and mitigating the potential dangers posed by parolees, all while striving to uphold public safety and foster their successful reintegration into society.

The #revolvingdoor or #prisonerexchange just started in the U.K. Why? The prison population stands at just over 87,000 - increasing 13% just in the last three years – and is predicted to hit 99,300 by the end of next year. With around 4,400 planned new spaces, this is nowhere near the capacity to house the extra 12,000 prisoners. That’s before the mass sentencing of new #prisoners from #rioting So who is being #released to then join the #rioters https://lnkd.in/gFBEBSqW

Political leaders and policymakers also play a key role in perpetuating "crime control theater" through their use of fear-based rhetoric and punitive policy proposals that exploit public anxieties and insecurities surrounding crime. By framing crime as a pervasive and imminent threat to public safety, politicians appeal to voters' fears and anxieties, promising tough-on-crime measures as electoral strategies to win votes and maintain power. However, these policies often disproportionately target marginalized communities, exacerbating racial disparities in policing, sentencing, and incarceration rates, while failing to address the root causes of crime or promote long-term public safety. #crime

🚨 Hard rhetoric, ambitious announcements and a tough record to shake off: What to Expect in the Upcoming General Election when it comes to Crime and Justice? 🚨 Following the high level of scrutiny of police forces after damning independent report, and a tumultuous succession of home secretaries each facing various challenges, the battle to win voters on policies of crime and justice is open. From commitment to safer streets, to the @conservatives facing an uphill battle to reclaim the title of the party of law and order, and other parties prepared to offer new approaches to governing the justice service, join the conversation Click the link below to read more: https://lnkd.in/e_z6RiNT #crime #police #policing #justice #criminal #rehabilitation #drugpolicy #UKPolitics #UKGovernment #GeneralElection #GeneralElection2024 #labourmanifesto #conservativemanifesto #labour #conservative #liberaldemocrats

March 16th is Freedom of Information Day in the United States. Free access to information empowers citizens to stay informed about the decisions being made by their government, fostering public trust and accountability. Public access to data on arrest rates, incarceration statistics, and police conduct make our community better. This transparency empowers communities to advocate for reform and programs that address the root causes of crime. #freedomofinformation #UN #trust #accountability #empowerment

Two years out from COVID-19’s peak, there continues to be no apparent correlation between changes in incarceration and violent crime. Learn more in the new report from JLUSA partner the Safety and Justice Challenge and CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance: https://lnkd.in/ecUv4ycc #RethinkJails