Re-Imagining the Use of Jail: Are There Community-Based and Cost Efficient Alternatives?

• In Event: Re-Imagining a More Effective, Cost-Efficient Justice System

Abstract

This paper seeks to determine the most efficient and effective ways to re-imagine the jail populations and improve conditions of confinement where social and financial costs of incarceration are reduced. We examine some of the largest jail systems in the country to identify areas for improvement. Specifically, we examine staffing to inmate ratios; built environment and infrastructure; court and corrections statutes, procedures, and operations; and the demographics of the jail population, including mental health and substance abuse issues. Additionally, we investigate ways to increase engagement with community-based organizations (CBOs) that target these populations at each system point, from prevention through reentry, and the CBOs’ ability to provide more holistic approaches to rehabilitation rather than incarceration. We focus our study on New York where the District Attorney’s Office of Manhattan is investing $250 million in asset forfeiture funds towards public safety through its Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII). These funds will be spent to promote justice reform, including strategies and programs to prevent incarceration. We examine whether this multi-tiered approach can contribute to an overall reduction in the jail population in New York City and its sustainability in the long-run.

Authors

• Margaret Egan, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

• Siobhán Carney, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance

• Shaun Edwards, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

• Michele Toplitz, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance