For the Media

Why These Young Men Carry Guns

The New York Times

During a rise in gun violence in New York City, the New York Times looks to understand why. They share the findings from our year-long study in areas of New York with high rates of gun violence, showing that many people in those communities don’t feel protected by authority figures, including the police, and are facing cycles of trauma, violence, and systemic disinvestment in communities.

A Man is Arrested 160 Times. How Do We Address the Underlying Issues?

The City

Barry has been arrested approximately 160 times, while facing drug addiction, homelessness, and a lack of job skills and opportunities. As our executive director Courtney Bryan and senior staff say, there are alternatives to the criminal justice system that can address the underlying factors that cause the behavior and find solutions for a new path forward.

Only 9 Trials in 9 Months: Virus Wreaks Havoc on NYC Courts

The New York Times

Citing our findings of the surging number of people in New York City jails awaiting trial, The New York Times looks at how COVID-19 is disrupting the city's courts—imperiling not only people's health, but their constitutional right to a speedy trial.

How New York Judges are Getting Around Bail Reform

New York Focus

When New York's bail reform took effect in January, it meant people wouldn't be behind bars because they couldn't afford their freedom. Some judges are skirting the intent of that law by setting alternative forms of bail, like partially secured bonds (PSB), at significantly higher rates. Our Krystal Rodriguez explains the intent behind PSBs.

A World Without Prisons Isn’t Just Possible – In This Pandemic, It’s Essential

The Independent

"We need a vision of a better society: a future grounded in love, justice, accountability, a future grounded in safety and good health," Ashish Prashar makes the argument against incarceration and includes our Red Hook Community Justice Center and Harlem Community Justice Center as examples of successful restorative justice programs.

Pandemic Threatens Program Offering Minor Offenders Art Classes Instead of Jail Time

Hyperallergic

All five of New York City’s District Attorneys came together to write a joint letter arguing that unless funding for Project Reset is renewed, the program will be eliminated in most of the city. The program, currently offered in all boroughs and to all ages, provides a proportionate and meaningful response to low-level offenses to offer people a second chance.

30 Issues: Restorative Justice

WNYC

Emily Bazelon, author and journalist, joins Brian Lehrer to talk about the policy and the politics around the use of restorative justice in schools and in courtrooms, looking to our Red Hook Community Justice Center and our Restorative Justice in Schools program as examples.

New York City’s Pretrial Jail Population Grows After Rollbacks on Reform

The Hill

The pretrial jail population in New York City has increased by nearly 16 percent since July, when the state amended a previously passed bail reform measure, reports the Hill. The article cites our study, which predicted the same percentage increase and found that under the amended law, 84 percent of total cases remain ineligible for bail.

Violent Crime Linked to Bail Reform? NYPD Says Yes, Experts Say No

Gothamist

Michael Rempel, director of jail reform at the Center, say it is far too early to draw any hard conclusions on how the new laws have affected New York, given that the policy has been in effect less than a year, and that COVID-19 has created "a series of confusing dynamics" within the criminal justice system that make it even tougher to study.

The City’s Five DA’s Say NYC Must Fund Project Reset

New York Daily News

Darcel Clark, Eric Gonzalez, Melinda Katz, Michael Mcmahon And Cy Vance—the district attorneys representing all five boroughs in New York City—came together to write their support of Project Reset, a criminal diversion effort, which is at-risk of losing funding if the city does not renew the program by September 30.

Casual Racism at an Elite High School Prompts Restorative Response

The New York Times

High school student Rainier Harris, a second-year member of our Youth Justice Board, writes in The New York Times about experiencing racism at his school and the school's decision to respond with restorative justice. "Restorative justice," he writes, "inspires solutions that achieve value and respect for everyone. It’s the only way real change can be made."

Criminal Justice and Election: Wesleyan University Speaker Series

Wesleyan University

Wesleyan alumni and community leaders, including our director of policy and research Julian Adler, discussed the the intersection of criminal justice and the 2020 election. The panelists discussed a wide range of issues, including harnessing the decarceral moment driven by coronavirus and the power of students and young people to affect change.

All Press Releases & Press Mentions

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Why These Young Men Carry Guns

A Man is Arrested 160 Times. How Do We Address the Underlying Issues?

Only 9 Trials in 9 Months: Virus Wreaks Havoc on NYC Courts

How New York Judges are Getting Around Bail Reform

A World Without Prisons Isn’t Just Possible – In This Pandemic, It’s Essential

Pandemic Threatens Program Offering Minor Offenders Art Classes Instead of Jail Time

30 Issues: Restorative Justice

New York City’s Pretrial Jail Population Grows After Rollbacks on Reform

Violent Crime Linked to Bail Reform? NYPD Says Yes, Experts Say No

The City’s Five DA’s Say NYC Must Fund Project Reset

Casual Racism at an Elite High School Prompts Restorative Response

Criminal Justice and Election: Wesleyan University Speaker Series