Fortunately, there is a solution. Here in New York, the Less Is More Act has been proposed to incentivize good behavior by people on parole, reduce the number of people imprisoned for non-criminal violations, and shorten how long they can be incarcerated for crimeless missteps.
“Project Reset is an essential component of a modern prosecutor’s office,” Vance told Hyperallergic in an email. “At a time when New Yorkers are demanding alternatives to incarceration and a more equitable justice system, it would be a shame for City lawmakers to let this program end.”
“Prosecutors are looking at their job differently by having a broader vision of what they can do with their offices,” said Mr. Vance. A successful crime-fighting strategy requires more than just arresting people, but investing in prevention and support, he said. “Preventing [a crime] is a far better criminal justice outcome than prosecuting a crime.”
“The Center for Trauma Innovation will address underlying trauma and promote healing and resiliency in underserved communities, helping to interrupt cycles of violence and provide crucial resources during this period of increased gun violence in New York City,” said District Attorney Vance.
“In a New York Daily News op-ed entitled For a safer NYC, save this program, the city’s five elected District Attorneys lauded Project Reset for providing thousands of New Yorkers charged with low-level offenses “the tools they need to identify and change behaviors” without entering the criminal justice system and experiencing long-lasting collateral consequences.”
