The Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Findings from Targeted Policy Analyses in South Dakota, Georgia and South Carolina

• In Event: Findings from the Urban Institute’s Assessment of State and Local Justice Reinvestment Sites

Abstract

In addition to the assessment of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) as a whole, the Urban Institute conducts impact evaluations of specific policy reforms. For both JRI and the field, understanding the outcomes of policies adopted in JRI states is crucial to understanding the impact of JRI, highlighting successes, and encouraging wider adoption of policies that work to reduce correctional control and improve public safety. This paper will summarize findings across three states including assessments of South Dakota’s SB 70 presumptive probation policy, sentencing reforms implemented in Georgia as a result of HB 1176, and the graduated administrative sanctions program implemented in South Carolina as part of S 1154.

Authors

• Samantha Harvell, Urban Institute

• Bryce E. Peterson, Urban Institute

• Ryan King, Urban Institute