Evaluating New York City’s Early Release Program: Jail Reduction and Public Safety

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

While the COVID-19 crisis upended lives across the globe, people held in our nation’s jails face vastly disproportionate health risks, stemming from unsanitary conditions, inadequate testing, and inherent barriers to social distancing. Amidst the uniquely dangerous conditions threatening those living and working on Rikers Island, New York City took emergency action to reduce its vulnerable jail population. The Early Release Program made possible the release of nearly 300 individuals to complete the remainder of their jail sentences under the remote community supervision of nonprofit agencies who run the city’s existing pretrial Supervised Release Program. The program model combines regular check-ins with voluntary referrals to supportive services. This quantitative impact analysis builds on qualitative findings published in part one of a two-part mixed-methods evaluation of the Early Release Program. Preliminary findings comparing one-year recidivism among the Early Release population (n=296) to a matched comparison sample point to a safe and effective emergency response. After six months, only 5% of participants were re-arrested for a felony offense (n=15) and fewer than 1% (n=2) were re-arrested for a violent felony. Given the encouraging results, this study offers a promising jail reduction strategy with potential implications for longer-term decarceration in New York City and beyond.

Authors

• Camille Wada, Center for Court Innovation

• Tia Pooler, Center for Court Innovation