Transforming the Justice System: A Collaborative Approach to Improve Public Safety and Increase Fairness and Efficiency

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

New York City processes more cases each year than any other jurisdiction in the country. This processing consumes an enormous quantity of human and financial resources, and in many instances results in outcomes that undermine public safety or increase the likelihood of future system involvement. Funded via $250 million in assets forfeited via international financial crime prosecutions, the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) represents a unique opportunity to invest in innovative community projects designed to fill critical gaps and needs in New York City’s criminal justice system. Such investments have the potential to transform the role and functioning of the justice system in New York City and serve as a laboratory for innovations that could be implemented nationwide. This panel describes the origins and strategy of CJII; key recommendations gleaned from background research and interviews with key stakeholders; lessons learned from initial implementation of the initiative; and future opportunities for funding and evaluation via the CJII.

Sub Unit

• Area VII: Criminal Justice Policy and Practice / 35: Challenging Criminal Justice Policies

Individual Presentations

• New Approaches to Transforming the Justice System: Origins and Strategy of a Collaborative Initiative between a District Attorney’s Office and a Public University Institute - Siobhán Carney, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance; Michael Jacobson, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

• Recommendations to Prevent System Involvement from Childhood to Reentry - Neal A. Palmer, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance; Britney Mason, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance

• Lessons Learned and Future Directions: Funding and Implementing a Transformative Criminal Justice Investment Initiative - Theresa Sgobba, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance; Siobhán Carney, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance

Chair

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

Discussant

• Michael Jacobson, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance