Categories

The Hill
How DC can satisfy Congress and bolster public safety

By Rachel Yen | March 21, 2023

Congress’s rejection of the D.C. criminal code overhaul comes on the heels of public discontent and valid concerns over violent crime rates, which are declining in most cities but remain well above 2019 levels.

Task Force on Long Sentences Releases Comprehensive Roadmap to Strengthen Public Safety and Advance Justice 

By Rachel Yen | March 21, 2023

Based on a year-long analysis, recommendations outline steps to focus resources on violence prevention and victim restoration

Man sticking his hands between prison bars

GOVERNING
Jail Before Trial Should Be the Exception, Not the Norm

By Rachel Yen | March 9, 2023

Lawmakers in some states are pushing to make it harder for defendants to avoid pretrial detention. There are better ways to protect public safety that don’t conflict with the presumption of innocence.

National Panel Says Justice System Fails to Consistently Identify Veterans and Steer Them Away From Incarceration 

By Rachel Yen | March 2, 2023

Led by two former defense secretaries, CCJ commission calls for creation of a national center to advance best practices for justice-involved veterans and coordinate support 

UpClose with Ganesha Martin

By Rachel Yen | February 24, 2023

This month’s member spotlight features Ganesha Martin, President & CEO at G.M.M. Consulting, LLC and VP of Public Policy and Community Affairs at Mark43.

Comments on the Killing of Tyre Nichols

By Rachel Yen | February 16, 2023

Members of the Council, Board of Trustees, task forces, and staff share their comments following the killing of Tyre Nichols

Jurors Appear to Weigh Sympathy for Defendants in Capital Sentencing Cases

By Rachel Yen | February 15, 2023

Does information about defendants’ adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse or neglect, affect jurors’ sentencing decisions in death penalty cases? This research examines that question.

Electronic Monitoring of Girls Fails to Reduce Recidivism

By Rachel Yen | February 15, 2023

What impact does electronic monitoring have on girls who have been adjudicated for delinquency or truancy? In this analysis, the Council reviews research on the effectiveness of such monitoring for reducing reoffending and improving outcomes among adolescent girls.

Do 911 Call Takers Prime Officers for Danger?

By Rachel Yen | February 15, 2023

This analysis investigates how call takers who routinely assess calls as high-risk influence police officers’ interpretations of the scene. It also explores practical ways police agencies can respond to the problem.

The Hill
‘Hotspot policing’ — We must recalibrate tactics after Nichols killing

By Rachel Yen | February 11, 2023

When robber Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he famously said “because that’s where the money is.” This has also been the sensible rationale for hotspot policing.