Project Reset

Project Reset staff in session

Project Reset is a diversion program offering a new response to a low-level arrest that is proportionate, effective, and restorative.


Project Reset offers a constructive approach to low-level crime, expanding the array of options available to law enforcement. Traditionally, police and prosecutors have had only two responses to choose from: either prosecution—and, in some cases, jail—or releasing people without a meaningful response from the justice system. Project Reset offers a third option, giving participants the possibility to avoid court and a criminal record by completing community-based programming. The program holds people accountable for their actions while promoting healing and strengthening public trust in the justice system.

The program serves adults ages 18 and older in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx with support from the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice, New York City Council, District Attorneys offices, and the New York City Police Department. Launched as a pilot in 2015, Project Reset initially worked only with 16- and 17-year-olds. After demonstrating success with a younger population, and as a result of Raise the Age legislation passing in New York State in 2018, the program expanded to serve adults and additional case types. For more information, visit projectreset.nyc.

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Our Impact

  • 4x Project Reset participants were four times less likely than matched comparison defendants to be convicted on a new arrest at one year.

    Source →

  • 186 On average, Project Reset cases were resolved 186 days more quickly than cases handled by traditional prosecution.

    Source →

  • 96% of participants said they would recommend Project Reset to others.

    Source →
Project Reset Logo
I feel like whoever made this program was a genius at giving people second chances and the push they may need. I’m happy I did this and shout out to the officer that put me in this.
Adolescent participant in our Project Reset programming

Publications & Digital Media

  • Video

    Changemakers in Action: Kristina Singleton

    Kristina Singleton works on diverting people from court into supportive or educational programming. Among the programs she works with at the Midtown Community Court are Project Reset, which offers those charged with a low-level crime the chance to avoid court and a criminal record by completing community-based programming, and a recently launched youth gun-diversion program for young people who have been arrested on gun possession charges.

    Community Justice, Diversion, Problem-Solving Justice, Workforce Development

  • Publication

    A Guide to Arts and Diversion

    An alternative to the traditional system, Project Reset has looked to innovate again by partnering with arts institutions to create meaningful arts-based programming. Project Reset’s partnerships with the New Museum and the Brooklyn Museum are the latest chapter in a longer history of work in the arts.

    Diversion, Arts and Justice, Rethinking Incarceration

  • Publication

    Fact Sheet: Project Reset

    Project Reset is a diversion program operating in Manhattan and the Bronx offering a new response to low-level offending that is proportionate, effective, and restorative. Participants who complete brief community-based programming avoid a criminal record without ever setting foot in a courtroom.

    Diversion
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News

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Looking to Implement a Program in Your Neighborhood?

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Partners

Project Reset is a collaboration among the Center for Justice Innovation, New York City Police Department, New York City Council, New York County District Attorney’s Office, Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, the Osborne Association, Young New Yorkers, the Legal Aid Society, Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services, New York County Defender Services, and Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem.

Project Reset is funded by the New York City Council, Mayor's Office for Criminal Justice, Mellon Foundation, and private donors. For more information on Project Reset, please visit projectreset.nyc.

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