Texas Insider Report: Washington D.C. In their fist press conference since the start of the 112th Congress
Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) was joined by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today to highlight the challenges facing the nations corrections and criminal justice system and to unveil a new report from the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center offering proven strategies to increase public safety reduce recidivism and save taxpayer dollars.
States and counties everywhere are working feverishly to balance budgets have put prison and corrections spending one of the largest and fastest growing line items in many budgetson the chopping block. Easy fixes that involve packing more people into existing cell space or simply releasing felons earlier can have dangerous consequences" Chairman Wolf warned. But the latest research and experiences of states like Texas and Kansas tell us we can use data to increase public safety and reduce corrections spending.
The report released today recommends four fundamental strategies for states and counties seeking cost-effective corrections policies that make people coming out of prison and jail less likely to reoffend:
Focus resources on individuals most likely to reoffend Base programs on research and ensure quality Implement effective community supervision policies and practices and Apply place-based strategies.
The report is based on a summit held at the urging of U.S. House Commerce Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee to bring together the nations leading corrections and criminal justice experts researchers and practitioners to define what works to reduce recidivism and crime.
Congressman Wolf who convened the summit said: For years high recidivism rates that plague our communities have seemed stuck at unacceptably high levels. But the Bureau of Justice Statistics recently reported that the percentage of people who successfully complete their probation and parole supervision has increased approximately 12 percent." Wolf added: We are starting to turn a corner on our war on recidivism; we need to see these data-driven policies embraced everywhere."
The strategies developed at the Justice Reinvestment Summit have been employed successfully by many states and counties. In a justice reinvestment approach policymakers work across party lines to review exhaustive analyses of state and local data determining how they can reduce corrections spending and reinvest a portion of those savings in efforts that increase public safety.
For example Texas in employing a justice reinvestment approach advanced the use of state-of-the-art assessment tools research-based programs and new and improved supervision strategies.
These strategies helped my home state of Texas save nearly a quarter of a billion dollars and identify and improve existing treatment mental health and diversion programs that led to significant reductions in probationers and parolees being returned to prison" said Senator Cornyn. This report tells the story of other states who like Texas have been able to reduce crime and save money. This is the roadmap to the better outcomes that weve been seeking."
As states look for ways to reduce budgets this report can provide a blueprint on how to implement corrections strategies in a more efficient and productive way said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D RI) who plans to introduce legislation this year to create justice reinvestment grants for state and county governments. Following this blueprint will help protect public safety and reduce costs.
Around the country policymakers have been calling for innovative approaches in corrections including many conservative leaders. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich recognized the approach as commonsense: Its time to end business as usual in our prison system and for legislators to think and act with courage and creativity. We can make sensible and proven reforms to our criminal justice system - policies that will cut prison costs while keeping the public safe."
Six weeks ago the Bureau of Justice Assistance issued an invitation to state and county governments to submit letters expressing interest in pursuing a justice reinvestment approach. Selected states will receive federal funding for technical assistance and in some cases direct funding support. The first deadline for such letters was February 1. Already 15 states and 11 counties have submitted letters of interest.
State Rep. Patricia Colloton (R KS) who is vice-chair of the CSG Justice Center Board of Directors observed Funding made available by Congress has enabled state and local governments across the country to innovate and test different programs and policies that make our communities safer and save money. Today the CSG Justice Center releases a report that distills the lessons learned from these innovations into strategies that can be adopted everywhere."
The CSG Justice Centers Justice Reinvestment Initiative to address corrections spending and public safety is a partnership with the Public Safety Performance Project of The Pew Center on the States with additional support to CSG from the Bureau of Justice Assistance U.S. Department of Justice. These efforts have provided similar data-driven analyses and policy options to state leaders in 14 states.
The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves policymakers at the local state and federal levels from all branches of government. The Justice Center provides practical nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategiesinformed by available evidenceto increase public safety and strengthen communities.
