Project Reset diverts people out of the justice system with a proportionate, restorative, and effective response to low-level arrests.
Every year, tens of thousands of people in New York City are arrested for low-level offenses. In the past, police and prosecutors have had only two responses to choose from: prosecution—and, in some cases, jail—or releasing people without a meaningful response from the justice system. Project Reset offers a third option: a community-based program throughout New York City that is restorative for both participants and communities and also avoids the potential harms of standard case processing. Everyone who successfully completes Project Reset never sets foot in a courtroom. Instead, the district attorney declines to prosecute their cases. Participants do not get a criminal record for the case and their arrest record is sealed.
Project Reset serves people 18 years and older who are issued desk appearance tickets for certain low-level, non-violent crimes, including but not limited to shoplifting, trespassing, and criminal mischief. Project Reset is currently available in all five boroughs.
Following an arrest, the prosecutor’s office refers eligible cases to Project Reset to engage in programming rather than go to court. Those eligible may consult with a defense attorney before deciding to participate, or at any point in the process. Project Reset staff will facilitate all intakes and scheduling for participants.
Project Reset, a program of the Center for Justice Innovation, is a collaboration between District Attorney’s Offices throughout New York City, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the New York Police Department, public defense agencies, and community-based program providers.
Visit our website: projectreset.nyc
Jeffrey Seplowe
Jseplowe@innovatingjustice.org
Josh Stillman
Jstillman@innovatingjustice.org