New York’s criminal justice system should prioritize the safety of its residents. As someone with extensive experience in improving correctional systems, I have witnessed the positive outcomes that arise when incarcerated individuals are given opportunities to grow and participate in programs. These benefits include a reduction in repeat offenses, a decrease in assaults, an increase in job opportunities, and enhanced safety for both staff and inmates.
Unfortunately, in the 1990s, New York drastically cut programs for incarcerated individuals and limited their ability to earn time off their sentences. It is crucial that we reverse these policies, which were based on an outdated “Lock ’em up and throw away the key” mentality.
Through my work in reentry services, I have gained a clear understanding of the challenges that New Yorkers face when reintegrating into society after years or even decades behind bars. Many individuals leave prison with limited skills, experience, and education, making it difficult for them to find employment.
To reduce recidivism and promote public safety, we must create opportunities and incentives for incarcerated individuals to participate in educational, vocational, and rehabilitation programs that will benefit them upon release. An important piece of legislation currently being considered by New York lawmakers is the Earned Time Act, which aims to do just that.
This bill would expand eligibility for sentence reductions based on good behavior and participation in programs. By doing so, we can enhance safety both inside and outside of prisons, making them safer environments for staff and inmates while also encouraging the development of valuable skills that facilitate successful reintegration into the community.
Research has shown that reducing lengthy prison terms can enhance public safety. Jurisdictions that have reduced their prison populations have experienced a greater decline in crime rates compared to those that have not. Several states, including Michigan, Kansas, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, have implemented earned-time programs and seen a significant reduction in recidivism.
Furthermore, the Earned Time Act would benefit correctional workers by creating a safer and more respectful work environment. Frontline staff, just like everyone else, desire safety and respect in their workplace. It is their responsibility to maintain order within the prison for both inmates and their colleagues. By incentivizing good behavior and program participation, the Earned Time Act would provide corrections officers with the necessary tools to reduce conflicts and lower the number of assaults in prison.
The Earned Time Act would also have a positive impact on the state’s economy. Incarceration costs New York taxpayers a significant amount of money. According to the Vera Institute, we spend $114,831 per year to incarcerate one person. Additionally, when individuals are unable to find employment after their release, it diminishes the workforce and tax base potential. By implementing policies that incentivize rehabilitative programming and provide individuals with more opportunities to earn credits, we can save money and stimulate the economy by reintegrating individuals into the workforce and their communities.
Vanda Seward is the director of the criminal justice program at CUNY Kingsborough Community College. She has previously served as director of the Kings County Reentry Task Force and as director of statewide reentry services for the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
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