As a former resident and journalist in Connecticut I recall years ago when
Governor Dannel Malloy was mayor of Stamford and running for re-election or maybe it was for the governorship, rumors circulated that a family member had a drug issue. if my memory serves me right, the mayor had said that that issue was off limits to reporters covering his campaign. If the rumors were true, I wonder how that issue may have played in the governor's commendable actions in his decisions that are obviously contributing to a better Connecticut, one that other states can emulate.
Governor Dannel Malloy was mayor of Stamford and running for re-election or maybe it was for the governorship, rumors circulated that a family member had a drug issue. if my memory serves me right, the mayor had said that that issue was off limits to reporters covering his campaign. If the rumors were true, I wonder how that issue may have played in the governor's commendable actions in his decisions that are obviously contributing to a better Connecticut, one that other states can emulate.
1
As an added boon, the closing of three prisons saves Connecticut money during a period of fiscal austerity.
I also applaud the Connecticut legislature for not backing down two years ago, despite a backlash from gun guts outraged we passed gun control proposals in the wake of the Newtown massacre . We are safer because of our legislator’s fundamental decency & courage.
What is fairly retrograde in Connecticut is our town based local government. I sincerely believe that police and fire should be administered at the country level. This would allow us to save taxpayer money & make Connecticut a more attractive place to settle.
I also applaud the Connecticut legislature for not backing down two years ago, despite a backlash from gun guts outraged we passed gun control proposals in the wake of the Newtown massacre . We are safer because of our legislator’s fundamental decency & courage.
What is fairly retrograde in Connecticut is our town based local government. I sincerely believe that police and fire should be administered at the country level. This would allow us to save taxpayer money & make Connecticut a more attractive place to settle.
1
Bravo, Governor! News like this vindicates my decision to come to this country. As the saying goes, preach always. When necessary use words. That's the essence of good government.
3
Cheshire CT : Woman & two minor female children raped, murdered, burned up in their own home. Father beaten & left for dead in basement.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheshire,_Connecticut,_home_invasion_murders
CT is a fine example of what happens when you deprive citizens of the ability to defend themselves, rely completely on police "protection", and coddle murdering rapists.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheshire,_Connecticut,_home_invasion_murders
CT is a fine example of what happens when you deprive citizens of the ability to defend themselves, rely completely on police "protection", and coddle murdering rapists.
2
It's a good thing the Governor is focused on cost cutting, because the state's ridiculously high taxes are driving businesses and many of the largest individual tax payers out of the state.
1
Congratulation and kudos to Dannel Malloy and the state of Connecticut. It is about time that someone tried to reverse the US trend towards mass incarceration as a model for corporate profit.
I offer this opinion as a 20+ year volunteer in the restorative justice process directed at juveniles, through service to the Seattle WA, Community Accountability Board / Juvenile Diversion Program of King County.
The efforts of our program have resulted in a remarkable reduction in recidivism into the judicial process for youths ages 12 to 18 for minor and non-violent crimes.
I offer this opinion as a 20+ year volunteer in the restorative justice process directed at juveniles, through service to the Seattle WA, Community Accountability Board / Juvenile Diversion Program of King County.
The efforts of our program have resulted in a remarkable reduction in recidivism into the judicial process for youths ages 12 to 18 for minor and non-violent crimes.
5
A politician who governs as if he's concerned with more than the election cycle.
10
It all sounds good. But purporting to understand humans is crazy. Plus what happens in CT can't possibly work in cities that is larger than the state of CT!
Those who've been paying attention to Governor Malloy know he's not exactly soft, yet there's no doubt he understands how broken our justice system is. When I heard him talk about the Second Chance Society, it was apparent he knew that race, poverty, trauma, and other variables are playing a role when justice should be blind. I don't think he came up with this to simply save some money--it's far too likely to backfire, and it's tons of work. Malloy likes to be on the forefront of innovative thinking and isn't scared if the electorate or punditry doesn't like his ideas at first blush--that combination can lead to bold reforms. Proud of my governor!
7
Thanks for publishing this. It's impossible to keep up with where every state is headed, and the bad news always drowns out the good. They say that the states are policy laboratories. Let's hope that bears out in Connecticut. These reforms seem like common sense to me, and it gives me hope to see them being pursued somewhere. Our cradle-to-prison pipeline is, I feel, the greatest social justice crisis that America has seen since desegregation.
I'm given to pessimism, and am always reluctant to lay praise at the door of any government. But in this I see a glimmer of hope.
I'm given to pessimism, and am always reluctant to lay praise at the door of any government. But in this I see a glimmer of hope.
9
So much to think about. So many well-thought-out points. I would ask Gov. Mallow to think about instituting programs of support for high-risk families as another way to combat crime, jail time and recidivism. Telling prisoners to 'fly right' is not possible without effective support and realistic expectations. Effective support is FAMILY SUPPORT.
Well-fed, well-educated, well-nurtured children rarely commit violent crimes. Monies wasted on punitive incarceration could be better spent on raising the level of medical care, education, and parental expertise for at-risk families. By the time kids are 16 it is TOO LATE.
Also, drug dealing flourishes in poor communities because few other opportunities to make money exist. These drug dealers could be CEOs without drugs and guns. They're just as ruthless as Jeff Bezos. Look at poor neighborhoods in which people start stores and small businesses. They have a better chance of overcoming the worst effects of poverty.
Well-fed, well-educated, well-nurtured children rarely commit violent crimes. Monies wasted on punitive incarceration could be better spent on raising the level of medical care, education, and parental expertise for at-risk families. By the time kids are 16 it is TOO LATE.
Also, drug dealing flourishes in poor communities because few other opportunities to make money exist. These drug dealers could be CEOs without drugs and guns. They're just as ruthless as Jeff Bezos. Look at poor neighborhoods in which people start stores and small businesses. They have a better chance of overcoming the worst effects of poverty.
17
Drug dealing flourishes much better in richer areas. There is no need to equate poor areas with low family values. When law enforcement preys on small time drug dealing in poor areas simply to meet their quotas, and locks up a significant fraction of young males - where's the opportunity for family support then?
In rich areas, families appear to provide better support because they can afford lawyers and pay off local politicians in the rare event that the police didn't look the other way even though they were paid to do so!
In rich areas, families appear to provide better support because they can afford lawyers and pay off local politicians in the rare event that the police didn't look the other way even though they were paid to do so!
1
". . . a society that’s a little more forgiving - and you’ve got to fly right . . .." EXACTLY. And, in that order.
4
What a breath of fresh air. How uplifting to read about genuine efforts to fix our broken criminal justice (hah) system.
6
Another important addition is improved, available education in the public schools. I have come to the conclusion that a big part of many of the problems seen across our country are the result of poorly educated people who do not understand our government and their role in it, and are not prepared to make a living in the world as it is and will be today.
But at least this is a start. In Arizona we much prefer to opt for private prisons and short education.
But at least this is a start. In Arizona we much prefer to opt for private prisons and short education.
3
Bravo Governor Malloy!
5
When Governor Malloy retires, I do hope he moves to Arizona.
We sorely need some intelligent, progressive ideas here.
We sorely need some intelligent, progressive ideas here.
5
While I completely agree with what Mr. Malloy is doing, I think the bipartisan effort is based on dollars, not compassion or sense of justice.
As a physician in early 70s I was appalled to see patients admitted by primary care docs for headache or backache, giving them a hospital rest cure at the expense of higher premiums for the rest of us. Similarly patients stayed on in VA hospitals for months after a stroke, long past any hope for recovery, because the family called the Congressman who would put pressure on the hospital to extend the patient's stay.
All this changed drastically under Reagan when he cracked down on hospitals for excessive medical spending, which was driving up the cost to the whole economy.
Yes, America does what is right eventually, but after it makes sense in dollars and cents.
As a physician in early 70s I was appalled to see patients admitted by primary care docs for headache or backache, giving them a hospital rest cure at the expense of higher premiums for the rest of us. Similarly patients stayed on in VA hospitals for months after a stroke, long past any hope for recovery, because the family called the Congressman who would put pressure on the hospital to extend the patient's stay.
All this changed drastically under Reagan when he cracked down on hospitals for excessive medical spending, which was driving up the cost to the whole economy.
Yes, America does what is right eventually, but after it makes sense in dollars and cents.
2
Money says it all. If you have it, the defense of affluenza gets you off; otherwise, you spend the rest of your life as a social and economic outcast.
This is a simple rerun of the 60s when soft on crime approaches were all the rage among liberals. All was accomplished was spiraling crime. Crime got so bad NYC, the capital of urban progressivism turned to a Republican to fix it.
Theories are nice but treating people that have already shown a propensity to violate laws with kids gloves is simply asking for trouble. I'd hate to be the politician that has to answer a grieving mom why the criminal that killed her child was out on the streets.
Theories are nice but treating people that have already shown a propensity to violate laws with kids gloves is simply asking for trouble. I'd hate to be the politician that has to answer a grieving mom why the criminal that killed her child was out on the streets.
3
Thanks for drawing attention to what a realistic liberal can do to improve life. I am particularly happy to learn that Gov. Malloy has required independent investigations of police uses of deadly force. There should also be independent prosecutors. This simple step would go a long way toward protecting the public, protecting police officers, and improving perceptions of the justice system. Why more States have not taken it bewilders me.
7
What is often overlooked is that a large percentage of young offenders, especially with drug convictions, have some form of attention deficit disorder. When faced with a combination of bail, court appearances, probation schedules, court ordered (and expensive) rehab, etc. many of these young people fail, in a system that almost guarantees their failure. What seems to be succeeding (outside of Connecticut) is the rehab and incarceration industry, getting very wealthy from taxpayer dollars while offenders are only punished and seldom helped. Bravo to Connecticut.
6
Compared to many states CT is a model. Prisoners receive reasonable health care and those with mental illness are well taken care of in prison blocks that more oriented to take their requirements into account. Contrast that with the California prison system where the health care had to be taken over because of all of the unnecessary deaths. The key aspect of the article is really the nature of the states as a laboratory. It's a key concept and more research on social policy like gun control needs to take place. It will be interesting to see what, if any difference, the TX relaxed open carry rules will have.
5
"Restorative justice" works. It is beneficial to both the victim and defendant, but also materially benefits the state and townships that support it. The "Criminal justice complex" that has existed for so long, is no longer working; it hasn't worked in decades, if ever.
7
Count me in too -- proud to be from Connecticut!
12
What is needed is better preparation for release back to the community.
Criminal offenders don't think the way responsible people think.
You can create assistance measures that seem logical and necessary for prisoner repatriation, but what is preparing prisoners to make proper and meaningful use of these incentives?
Motivation has got to come before incentives.
Internal changes have to occur before external opportunity can work.
Values and beliefs that offenders work with must be changed to the values and beliefs of responsible citizens.
Opening the gates of jails and prisons doesn't open the doors of community living, social responsibility and constructive behavior.
Well intentioned accommodations must be coupled with well intentioned thinking by ex-offenders.
WWW.REENTRY.NYC provides information and insights into the complexity of repatriation of offenders.
The person getting on the "Go Back" bus has to be different from the offender who has been incarcerated.
Effective reentry programming material must be included in the design for successful reentry outcomes.
Criminal offenders don't think the way responsible people think.
You can create assistance measures that seem logical and necessary for prisoner repatriation, but what is preparing prisoners to make proper and meaningful use of these incentives?
Motivation has got to come before incentives.
Internal changes have to occur before external opportunity can work.
Values and beliefs that offenders work with must be changed to the values and beliefs of responsible citizens.
Opening the gates of jails and prisons doesn't open the doors of community living, social responsibility and constructive behavior.
Well intentioned accommodations must be coupled with well intentioned thinking by ex-offenders.
WWW.REENTRY.NYC provides information and insights into the complexity of repatriation of offenders.
The person getting on the "Go Back" bus has to be different from the offender who has been incarcerated.
Effective reentry programming material must be included in the design for successful reentry outcomes.
4
Bravo Connecticut!
6
Criminal justice is an oxymoron in this country. When they do their time, that should be it for a non-violent first offense. Branding them with a big C on their forehead just invites them to adopt crime as a way of life since they can't get a decent job.
9
The vast majority of young prisoners in Connecticut are there for nonviolent offenses. Nobody's life is going to be endangered. Murderers will not be part of this program.
12
In the illustration for the editorial who does the white dove represent? Minor drug dealer, armed robber, burglar, rapist, or a murderer? The suggestion that correctional facilities are full of benign criminals, never to re-offend again is a total fallacy.
The Editorial Board always supports "States' Rights" when there is a liberal or left wing agenda; which is of course alright. However States' Rights also may mean in other States the imposition of the death penalty, and mandatory sentences for illegal drug distribution. I doubt that there will be an editorial supporting that approach to criminal justice.
The Editorial Board always supports "States' Rights" when there is a liberal or left wing agenda; which is of course alright. However States' Rights also may mean in other States the imposition of the death penalty, and mandatory sentences for illegal drug distribution. I doubt that there will be an editorial supporting that approach to criminal justice.
3
Correct, and for good reason!
2
The white dove represents possibility, faith and the future. It represents belief that redemption is possible. Since, John Quinn, by denying Christ's belief that even the lowest of human beings deserve to be rescued, you are an avowed anti-Christian. The declaration of this article is that Christian values are the same as universal human values -- as viewed from a positive perspective. They are practical values.
The white dove is humanity's only hope for survival, and yes, triumph. The white dove is the reason for living a decent life: to hope the same for all others. The white dove flies up even when there are hunters like you lying in wait to shoot down the best, the possible and the pure that man is capable of. No one is perfect; you've thrown the first stone but not recognized its consequences. The white dove is not only to usher society's transgressors toward a better life, but to protect the lives of those by chance and many by choice living righteously . . . by preparing imperfect fellow man for smooth re-entry into the society you so glibly view as narrow and selective.
The white dove is humanity's only hope for survival, and yes, triumph. The white dove is the reason for living a decent life: to hope the same for all others. The white dove flies up even when there are hunters like you lying in wait to shoot down the best, the possible and the pure that man is capable of. No one is perfect; you've thrown the first stone but not recognized its consequences. The white dove is not only to usher society's transgressors toward a better life, but to protect the lives of those by chance and many by choice living righteously . . . by preparing imperfect fellow man for smooth re-entry into the society you so glibly view as narrow and selective.
6
Does it need to be said that the Right's all for States' Rights when it doesn't come to gun control or abortion? Or that we have a national Bill of Rights for a reason? or that the single commonest use of the concept, historically, has been to defend slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation?
2
The number of youths in the prison population is lower because Malloy let them out!
I worked and lived in this state for 10 years and left a few years ago. It is a state slowly degenerating towards collapse. The economy is in shambles and the gov't debt is off the charts. Malloy's "progressive policies" are in need of a savior and I suppose closing prisons helps.
CT has lived beyond its means for many years. With GE threatening to move out of the state and Colt in Hartford under siege it won't be long before they succumb and big insurance and other companies find it's better elsewhere.
So-called "progressives" and the NY Times like to call the game after the second inning while checking only their own scoreboard. We will see how CT fares after some time. Since I can count my bet is they're a loser and I'm happier now more than ever that I moved from that place when I did.
I worked and lived in this state for 10 years and left a few years ago. It is a state slowly degenerating towards collapse. The economy is in shambles and the gov't debt is off the charts. Malloy's "progressive policies" are in need of a savior and I suppose closing prisons helps.
CT has lived beyond its means for many years. With GE threatening to move out of the state and Colt in Hartford under siege it won't be long before they succumb and big insurance and other companies find it's better elsewhere.
So-called "progressives" and the NY Times like to call the game after the second inning while checking only their own scoreboard. We will see how CT fares after some time. Since I can count my bet is they're a loser and I'm happier now more than ever that I moved from that place when I did.
4
The biggest impediment to doing this in lots of other states is the power of the prison guards' union. I wonder how this would work in NY.
3
at long last compassion 'there but for the grace of g-d walk you and i'. thank you gov.malloy for your heroism in fighting on the side of righteousness.
7
This is terrific reform, and the churches have helped.
Rev. Dr. Duncan Newcomer
Rev. Dr. Duncan Newcomer
2
When a person is sentenced to serve time in prison the basic truth is that they will return to the community. Based on my experience working in a city jail, and with defendant ants facing criminal charges, the time of confinement is an opportunity for change. The person is under control and accountable to the judge and court. If the sentence includes drug addiction treatment then the prisoner must comply and the institution must provide. The best sentence I ever saw a judge make was a check list for the young defendant with a young family. The full term for the serious crime was 25 years with a review in 15 years. The detailed check list started with a GED and parenting classes to maintain his contact with his children and ended with financial restitution to be earned by work in jail. This was crafted to instruct the prisoner on ways to accept responsibility for his/her actions, be assessed for educational difficulties that more likely than not hindered the person from completing high school and develop a skill or trade for discipline and work after the sentence was completed. The 15 year review was a goal for completion that could possibly earn release. Sentences such as this are not easy. They require the inmate to be focused, stay out of trouble and learn, learn, learn for a future back in the community. Do we want prisoners to return with the option of success or with only the skills they had when they entered jail?
6
I've been a resident of Connecticut for several years now and my major public concern has always been high crime. Despite an apparent state-wide decrease in crime, violent crime and general lawlessness are still way too common in all of the state's major cities: New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. If you don't believe me, please just visit during the summer and see the packs of teenagers popping wheelies on quads on crowded city streets. So while I generally support what Gov. Malloy is doing, especially the new gun control law, I worry that he is forgetting about the main concern of ordinary tax-paying citizens like me: crime and lawlessness.
7
This comment presumes without evidence that Malloy's reforms would harm "the main concern of ordinary tax-paying citizens." This willingness to jump to conclusions is telling. It suggests that what Malloy is forgetting is not what voters worry about, but what they are used to hearing from politicians about crime.
Dave, if you're concerned about crime & lawlessness, give people a second chance. Don't make returning to crime their only option after serving their sentence.
1
Perhaps a second chance to commit more heinous crimes is also in the bag. If one is convicted of a violent crime such "mercy" is ill-advised. And for those who committed non-violent offenses you have to ask yourself this, do you really want to take a chance on people who are prone to drug addiction and didn't think twice about violating the laws in order to fuel these habits.
1
This country needs more Governors like Connecticut's.
20
People of Connecticut. You have a winner. I like this guy. He is smart and effective. The bad news for you is that he is going places which is the good news for the rest of us.
17
It is really nice to read some good news about my home state. We have so much bad news, mostly economic, but there is also a news vacuum as those of us that live close to New York hear almost exclusively New York news. Add to that that I live in a town represented by Republicans on the state level, and they only say negative things about Malloy.
12
"There is also a news vacuum as those of us that live close to New York hear almost exclusively New York news."
So true! I like WNPR for CT news.
So true! I like WNPR for CT news.
The rest of the Country should seriously note the strong positive results due to multi-pronged changes in the Justice System crucible which is Connecticut. The simple conclusion is - It is DOABLE. Kudos! Gov. Malloy!
25
we should not put anybody in prison unless we intend to keep him there for the rest of his life. prison destroys people. we have the tech now to keep people in their communities, in their homes, monitor them, rehab them, without putting them into crime u.
38
Would you imply the same standard of no prison to those who commit white collar crimes, such as Bernie Madoff and the Wall Street fraudsters?
Madoff is a good illustration of slightlycrazy's suggestion. He is in prison for life. The rest of them were never prosecuted; we don't know what the outcome might have been.
These reforms sound good, certainly one of the most important things for reducing recidivism is for people getting out of prison to have a viable career path so they can support themselves without crime.
35
..."but if America is to reverse its decades-long incarceration boom, it will require the continued efforts of leaders like Mr. Malloy." That's all well and good but I think this piece overlooks the elephant in the room, or at least one of them. Demographics, i.e. race, religion, education, economic opportunity, policing, health care, attention to those in need of aid, the general level of societal development. Malloy's and his legislature's push toward reform may well work in the Constitution State but one has to wonder if other states less inclined toward "forgiving" would be able to accomplish similar reform.
1
"...to raise the age of adult criminal responsibility to 21 from 18 for all but the most serious crimes."
So someone under 21, but over 18, who commits multiple murders, still goes to jail for a long stretch?
As soon as some 16-year-old kills a couple of people, and gets two years in detention, they'll change the law to apply to him, too.
So someone under 21, but over 18, who commits multiple murders, still goes to jail for a long stretch?
As soon as some 16-year-old kills a couple of people, and gets two years in detention, they'll change the law to apply to him, too.
No this proposed law is "for all but most serious crimes" i.e murder. Thus,a murderer would not benefit from this law
3
Who is fooling who? This is all about budget cutting, nothing else. The 'restorative justice' idea is dangerous liberal progressive nonsense. The idea that drug selling is nonviolent is delusional. The politics of crime and punishment is really about keeping us safe, nothing else.
8
Since when are conservatives opposed to budget cuts, especially if they occur as part of a fairer, more efficient delivery of justice? Maybe it's really fair and efficient justice that conservatives really object to.
5
They were in jail for drug possession, not selling.
4
There are much easier ways to cut the budget, if cutting is the real aim.
Or are you just opposed to progress in any form at all?
Or are you just opposed to progress in any form at all?
3
If we didn't pander to outfits like CCA and have a lot of our citizens get their news from Fox, maybe the rest of the country could follow suit. Kudos to CT
10
Yes, the crime rate has declined in Connecticut. The crime rate has declined from coast to coast. Connecticut has also seen its population decline for the first time since 2008.
The murder rate in Connecticut's capitol city, Hartford, increased by 63% in 2015. In New England, only Boston, a city with five times the population of Hartford had more murders than Hartford.
New Haven, and Bridgeport also saw increases in the number of murders over 2014. Bridgeport, New England's fifth largest city, had an increase of 58% in the number of homicides.
As if to "celebrate" that sorry fact, convicted felon, and former Mayor of Bridgeport, Democrat Joe Ganim was re-elected as Mayor of Bridgeport, CT.
Ganim had served several years in Federal prison for corruption during his original time as Mayor. Second Chance Society, indeed.
And now there is the spectacle, apparently being celebrated by the Times Editorial Board, of Governor Malloy getting his fellow democrats in the Legislature to pass a law treating young criminals like minors until they turn 21.
How many minority kids do you think Malloy sent to jail when he was a New York City prosecutor?
How many rich, white Connecticut residents between 18 and 21 do you think might be suffering from affluenza?
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/12/24/census-shows-maine-connecticut-and...
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2015/1228/In-the-United-States-anxi...
The murder rate in Connecticut's capitol city, Hartford, increased by 63% in 2015. In New England, only Boston, a city with five times the population of Hartford had more murders than Hartford.
New Haven, and Bridgeport also saw increases in the number of murders over 2014. Bridgeport, New England's fifth largest city, had an increase of 58% in the number of homicides.
As if to "celebrate" that sorry fact, convicted felon, and former Mayor of Bridgeport, Democrat Joe Ganim was re-elected as Mayor of Bridgeport, CT.
Ganim had served several years in Federal prison for corruption during his original time as Mayor. Second Chance Society, indeed.
And now there is the spectacle, apparently being celebrated by the Times Editorial Board, of Governor Malloy getting his fellow democrats in the Legislature to pass a law treating young criminals like minors until they turn 21.
How many minority kids do you think Malloy sent to jail when he was a New York City prosecutor?
How many rich, white Connecticut residents between 18 and 21 do you think might be suffering from affluenza?
http://www.pressherald.com/2015/12/24/census-shows-maine-connecticut-and...
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2015/1228/In-the-United-States-anxi...
4
This is extremely misleading. In fact, violent crime in Bridgeport has fallen to a 44 year low, according to FBI data. Murders in New Haven over the past two years are less than half the level of 2010 and 2011, while non-fatal shootings have also fallen by more than half in just four years. And the number of shots fired in New Haven have fallen by nearly 80% in just four years.
According to Connecticut's office of policy and management, murders in 2014 were near the lowest in four decades. And it is important to keep in mind that the state, with some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, also features one of the lowest rates of gun deaths in the nation.
Oh, and according to the University of Connecticut study and Census Bureau data, the state's population is rising, not falling, and it is forecast to increase further.
http://ctsdc.uconn.edu/2015_2025_projections/
http://www.nhregister.com/article/NH/20160102/NEWS/160109939
According to Connecticut's office of policy and management, murders in 2014 were near the lowest in four decades. And it is important to keep in mind that the state, with some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, also features one of the lowest rates of gun deaths in the nation.
Oh, and according to the University of Connecticut study and Census Bureau data, the state's population is rising, not falling, and it is forecast to increase further.
http://ctsdc.uconn.edu/2015_2025_projections/
http://www.nhregister.com/article/NH/20160102/NEWS/160109939
10
Sean: As I noted, the crime rate has declined from coast to coast. And yes, it has declined to a multi-generational low. As have the homicides declined to a multi-generational low, also from coast to coast.
However, and not to be misleading, what I said is still true. Murders are up last year over the 2014 numbers in Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport. Not to mention the fact the homicide numbers have also gone up in a number of other Democratic party controlled urban areas around the nation.
And the data on Connecticut's population decline I cited is from the US Census, it is not a future projection by an academic institution, per your link, which may include thousands of undocumented immigrants:
http://wtnh.com/2014/12/08/thousands-of-undocumented-ct-residents-signin...
However, and not to be misleading, what I said is still true. Murders are up last year over the 2014 numbers in Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport. Not to mention the fact the homicide numbers have also gone up in a number of other Democratic party controlled urban areas around the nation.
And the data on Connecticut's population decline I cited is from the US Census, it is not a future projection by an academic institution, per your link, which may include thousands of undocumented immigrants:
http://wtnh.com/2014/12/08/thousands-of-undocumented-ct-residents-signin...
1
Governor Malloy is building an impressive record as a reformist. After the Sandy Hook massacre, he stared down the gun crazies, pushing for, and signing into law, one of the country's strictest gun control laws. He followed that up with plans for an executive order to prevent suspected terrorists on the federal "watch list" from purchasing guns in the state. He was a leader in pushing for and winning implementation of a phased-in higher minimum wage, helping spark a nationwide movement for higher wages for the working poor. He implemented a plan for universal pre-k education, creating hundreds of new seats for economically disadvantaged minority youth, helping to narrow the huge achievement gap. And now, Malloy, a former federal prosecutor, e is moving forcefully to reform the state's criminal justice system.
Despite being constantly maligned by the state''s conservative press corps, Governor Malloy is demonstrating why Connecticut voters got it right- twice- in electing him to office.
Despite being constantly maligned by the state''s conservative press corps, Governor Malloy is demonstrating why Connecticut voters got it right- twice- in electing him to office.
33
The article said the focus was on rehabilitation and reintegration, which is fine by me. However, the article ALSO said CT's plan involved a focus on individual responsibility. Aside from being told to "fly right," which piece of proposed legislation focuses on individual responsibility for anything? It seems like the prevailing view (and maybe it's the correct view?) is that people are being held TOO responsible for their actions and society's standards of lawful behavior should be lowered, not raised or maintained. If that's the experiment being run in CT's "laboratory," fine, but why not just say so?
1
Because, that is not what it is about. If prisoners are provided with facilities to learn a vocation or degree they will come out much better prepared for a life without crime. It is lunacy to expect a better outcome when a prisoner being warehoused and shot dead if they step outside the "warehouse" today, are tomorrow given $20 and a bus ticket ( release date) to go start a life of any kind. Exactly how do we expect this inmate to go out and earn a lawful living? We are surprised when they commit another crime? I know the argument is always that the convict shouldn't be rewarded with an education for his crime. Especially when we don't ever have enough funds for our schools. However, the dollars spent for their education or trades, are more than repaid by not having them commit new crimes to survive and returning to prison where we incurred further expenses in housing and feeding them.
I also believe that there should be laws passed that allow a conviction to be removed from the individual's record after a reasonable amount of time has passed since the crime with no further violations. Sort of a statue of limitations on the records. Having a mistake made some 10-15 years ago, continue to hold someone back doesn't serve a public good. I accept that there will be certain exceptions, like people seeking security clearances or sex offenders applying to jobs involving direct contact with children. However, I am sure we can draft laws that make those distinguished.
I also believe that there should be laws passed that allow a conviction to be removed from the individual's record after a reasonable amount of time has passed since the crime with no further violations. Sort of a statue of limitations on the records. Having a mistake made some 10-15 years ago, continue to hold someone back doesn't serve a public good. I accept that there will be certain exceptions, like people seeking security clearances or sex offenders applying to jobs involving direct contact with children. However, I am sure we can draft laws that make those distinguished.
2
I must admit I see what you're saying in your first paragraph @ CliffSanders. Read in that light, maybe the personal accountability is implied in proposed legislation. Maybe I would have liked to have seen some more explicit emphasis on newly released citizens being held to a high standard of law-abiding behavior, but that's just me. It's certainly worth rolling the dice on a new policy, anyway.
I like the tenor of your second paragraph about altering records, but I'd still hesitate. You draw the line at sexual offenses and security clearances, but there are all sorts of crimes that have implications for employment. Crimes involving fraud reveal someone's general trustworthiness, for instance. I would also think that all things being equal, employers have good reason to hire a person with no instances of violent behavior over a person with assault charges in their past (however long ago). Violent criminals are not known for deescalating with time (Ben Carson, apparently, notwithstanding). The only way I would agree a criminal record should be erased from someone's record would be on credible evidence that an individual's past criminal behavior has no rational relationship to the likelihood of their future behavior. Only then would the question of criminal background become irrelevant to a hiring decision.
I like the tenor of your second paragraph about altering records, but I'd still hesitate. You draw the line at sexual offenses and security clearances, but there are all sorts of crimes that have implications for employment. Crimes involving fraud reveal someone's general trustworthiness, for instance. I would also think that all things being equal, employers have good reason to hire a person with no instances of violent behavior over a person with assault charges in their past (however long ago). Violent criminals are not known for deescalating with time (Ben Carson, apparently, notwithstanding). The only way I would agree a criminal record should be erased from someone's record would be on credible evidence that an individual's past criminal behavior has no rational relationship to the likelihood of their future behavior. Only then would the question of criminal background become irrelevant to a hiring decision.
My home state is so progressive we even let convicted felon ex-mayors have their old jobs back after serving years in a federal pen! And Mayor Joe Ganim of Bridgeport thanks us all. Oh yes, positively visionary...
1
I timed it... 38 seconds is all it took for me to get to this "re-elected convicted criminal Joe Ganim" comment. As Rod Serling would have said, "No comment here, no comment at all..."
1
hmcnally: To be clear, I am genuinely behind the Governor's initiatives. My point was only that society needs to exercise careful discretion with second chances, and I admit I could have made that point more clearly than I did. I'm completely on board with a more forgiving attitude toward young offenders.
Of course Ganim is hardly the sort of prisoner contemplated by the Governor. He was busted as a 40-year old licensed attorney turned mayor, on a list of charges as long as my arm, was tried in federal court and as I mentioned in my earlier comment did his time in a federal prison. Apples and oranges. If my mention of Joe was too off-topic for you, or you voted for him and maybe feel a little defensive about it, I apologize.
Putting aside the suspicions as to how Joe came to win a second time, the record does indeed reflect that he was elected by the Bridgeport voters, who I would agree can choose who they want. Having said that, in my view little Joe G, who I actually know very well, having shared a summer house with him in our teens and remained in regular contact with well into our twenties, should not have been made mayor even once, let alone twice. But I don't live in Bridgeport, so I only care so much.
Of course Ganim is hardly the sort of prisoner contemplated by the Governor. He was busted as a 40-year old licensed attorney turned mayor, on a list of charges as long as my arm, was tried in federal court and as I mentioned in my earlier comment did his time in a federal prison. Apples and oranges. If my mention of Joe was too off-topic for you, or you voted for him and maybe feel a little defensive about it, I apologize.
Putting aside the suspicions as to how Joe came to win a second time, the record does indeed reflect that he was elected by the Bridgeport voters, who I would agree can choose who they want. Having said that, in my view little Joe G, who I actually know very well, having shared a summer house with him in our teens and remained in regular contact with well into our twenties, should not have been made mayor even once, let alone twice. But I don't live in Bridgeport, so I only care so much.
Let's hope that none of the recovering inmates turn into bad apples again, or else the opposition will be able to portray Gov. Malloy as a Dukakis.
3
Good news! Look forward to more of these reforms throughout the criminal justice system, including on the front lines where the police and community interact, such that not so many people wind up being incarcerated in the first place.
6
I'm proud to have helped elect Governor Malloy in 2010, an election which demonstrated just how important it is to be involved in the political process. Malloy's victory over Republican Tom Foley was only a few thousand votes, but as a result our state has made tremendous progress in building a more just and prosperous society.
18
Congratulations to this enlightened governor!
12
One of the main reasons that the US has such a high number of people serving time in prison in comparison with all other countries is because of the outrageously high penalties for crimes as opposed to other countries. For example while possession of hard drugs with intent to distribute will get somebody in Canada or Europe no more than 2 years, in the US the sentence is in the 8 to 15 year range even for the smallest amounts. And the same is true for felonies across the board.
So until the penal codes of the US read more like those of the rest of the world we will continue to have this terribly disproportionate rate of imprisonment in the US.
As such reforming the penal system will not come about through small and targeted measures, such as treating those under 18 as juveniles, or eliminating mandatory sentencing for drug possession, which is only an issue in such rare instances where the judge feels that even the minimum sentence is unjust for the circumstances, but in a wholesale and top to bottom rewriting of criminal penalties from A to Z.
And since doing so is not in the interest of any state legislature, not to mention that any politician who takes up this cause will be committing career suicide, we will be stuck with the current system for many generations to come.
So until the penal codes of the US read more like those of the rest of the world we will continue to have this terribly disproportionate rate of imprisonment in the US.
As such reforming the penal system will not come about through small and targeted measures, such as treating those under 18 as juveniles, or eliminating mandatory sentencing for drug possession, which is only an issue in such rare instances where the judge feels that even the minimum sentence is unjust for the circumstances, but in a wholesale and top to bottom rewriting of criminal penalties from A to Z.
And since doing so is not in the interest of any state legislature, not to mention that any politician who takes up this cause will be committing career suicide, we will be stuck with the current system for many generations to come.
13
I have many differences with Dannel Malloy's policies, but on the issue of criminal justice and corrections reform, I think he's got it very right. I like that Connecticut is a home to second chances. We are such a 'second chance' society, in fact, that the newly inaugurated mayor of our largest city (Bridgeport) is a convicted felon -- having been sent to prison earlier in the 2000s for misdeeds while in that same office.
My fear is that the commission of a notorious crime by a recently released second chancer would create pressure to revisit the policy. Hopefully that can be avoided, because overall the policy appears to be working well.
My fear is that the commission of a notorious crime by a recently released second chancer would create pressure to revisit the policy. Hopefully that can be avoided, because overall the policy appears to be working well.
34
It's shameful that Congress is unwilling to do anything at all about these issues. Connecticut is a good state, but it is a very small state.
8
"The reform plan reclassified simple drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor"
That's wonderful news for many wealthy addicts and users of hard drugs, they can more or less go about their lives now. But poor addicts still face the task of getting enough money to pay prohibition prices, and are going to keep stealing and robbing and sometimes killing to obtain it. The only way to stop those crimes, and stop empowering drug gangs, is to allow addicts to access their drug at an affordable price. They can be required to stay out of trouble in return. Decriminalized of possession is a good half measure, as safe injection sites would be. But some state, or other jurisdiction, has to take the next step and push to be allowed to legally distribute drugs to addicts and see how it affects crime rates and reduces the wealth and power of black market sellers
That's wonderful news for many wealthy addicts and users of hard drugs, they can more or less go about their lives now. But poor addicts still face the task of getting enough money to pay prohibition prices, and are going to keep stealing and robbing and sometimes killing to obtain it. The only way to stop those crimes, and stop empowering drug gangs, is to allow addicts to access their drug at an affordable price. They can be required to stay out of trouble in return. Decriminalized of possession is a good half measure, as safe injection sites would be. But some state, or other jurisdiction, has to take the next step and push to be allowed to legally distribute drugs to addicts and see how it affects crime rates and reduces the wealth and power of black market sellers
2
I hope with all my heart that this social experimentation works. That means it could eventually be replicated in other places. Not sure about beautiful Georgia. Here, the "justice system" exists solely to keep the hamster wheel of privatized corrections spinning madly forever. Not to mention lining the pockets of some.
The reality is that once you have been convicted of ANY crime, the sentence lasts for the rest of your life. You can be discriminated against for employment, housing, education, banking, and voting. This discrimination is legal (in most cases) and certainly accepted. Even when that discrimination is not legal, pointing it out still gets you no recourse.
The reality is that once you have been convicted of ANY crime, the sentence lasts for the rest of your life. You can be discriminated against for employment, housing, education, banking, and voting. This discrimination is legal (in most cases) and certainly accepted. Even when that discrimination is not legal, pointing it out still gets you no recourse.
77
Dear tech worker,
I am 100% in agreement. There is no logical reason why an ex-offender who has become a law-abiding citizen should be discriminated against for the rest of his or her life. The millions of dollars spent on political campaigns would be better used for quality programs that truly rehabilitate and for fair salaries for therapists and others who believe that everyone who demonstrates a willingness to change deserves a second chance. No prison should be a for-profit business.
I am 100% in agreement. There is no logical reason why an ex-offender who has become a law-abiding citizen should be discriminated against for the rest of his or her life. The millions of dollars spent on political campaigns would be better used for quality programs that truly rehabilitate and for fair salaries for therapists and others who believe that everyone who demonstrates a willingness to change deserves a second chance. No prison should be a for-profit business.
The Anti-Spiuthern State! We need more.
1
Finally. Decades after the Reagan revolution ended all hope for liberalism, we're starting to see some positive changes at the state level.
7
Having millions of people behind bars and spending billions in taxes EVERY year should be enough reason for all politicians and policy makers to look into these reforms and adapt accordingly.
75
Here's hoping that any successes are shared with other states and implemented as soon as possible. We are all sitting on a time bomb if nothing changes.
2
I gather that Gov. Malloy is not particularly telegenic, in the way you need to be to get attention on the national stage, and that he has said he has no interest in running for president. Pity.
8
I am sure there are circumstances where a child over 18 should not be held criminally responsible for their actions, but I suspect there are few. The consistent message in today's society is you can do whatever you want and not be held accountable for your actions or at least be given "another chance" because "you really didn't mean to do it" or "you were impaired by drugs or alcohol" or "you had bad parents or ....". Lowering the bar is never the solution. The solution is for both parents being held accountable for raising their children to adulthood because it is the degradation of the family unit which is the root cause of all these societal problems.
2
The question of when a child becomes an adult is depends on many circumstances. "Children" may marry, may enlist in the military services, may be removed from foster care and vote before they are legally able to order wine with dinner or rent a car. Some states are willing to prosecute as adults children as young as 12 despite evidence their brains have not matured to adult status. Confusion about adult status also exists due to obsolete practices of allowing states to decide by circumstance who is an adult.
I question the evidence that family units have "degraded" more in recent years than happened when children were legally able to work in factories or lived on the streets due poverty and no safety nets. In fact open acknowledgement of previously hidden behaviours may contribute to stronger families. In the US lip service by politicians and other authorities is often paid to caring for children, but failure to allocate funds for food programs, health care, child care and schools tells the real story of how children are valued here.
I question the evidence that family units have "degraded" more in recent years than happened when children were legally able to work in factories or lived on the streets due poverty and no safety nets. In fact open acknowledgement of previously hidden behaviours may contribute to stronger families. In the US lip service by politicians and other authorities is often paid to caring for children, but failure to allocate funds for food programs, health care, child care and schools tells the real story of how children are valued here.
5
The research on child brain development and trauma (from which the grand majority of youth imprisoned suffer) shows that children's brains are damaged by this trauma--specifically their ability to make decisions. And no one is saying they shouldn't be held accountable--Malloy is simply saying that imprisonment needn't be the sole way we do so.
9
Some of my friends look at me like I have three eyes when I tell them that CT is arguably the most progressive state in the country. The facts speak for themselves and this Op-Ed is but another example of the ways in which Danell Malloy is spearheading progressive change, with enormously positive results. Restrictive gun control measures, eliminating mandatory minimums for youth, lowering the prison population through rehabilitation and reintegration instead of crime and punishment measures. This sounds more like a western European country than it does a United States state. I'll take it though. I'm proud to be from CT
129
I was born in Bridgeport and raised in Fairfield. I've been living in NYC for a time now, but I share the same sentiment as you: I'm proud to be from the Nutmeg State.
5
Many affluent Americans have no idea whatever of the true conditions of America's poor. Some of those conditions include:
1. Searching for work and being told "No, "no", "no" over and over and over again.
2. Having NO money and having NO way of getting money.
3. Being hungry and having no way to get food. (Being hungry, walking past a fast food restaurant, smelling the food and not being able to buy any is very depressing.)
The above is just one aspect of the experiences of America's poor.
It is critical that we HELP people get jobs. Municipalities, counties and states that are rising to this noble task are to be highly commended.
1. Searching for work and being told "No, "no", "no" over and over and over again.
2. Having NO money and having NO way of getting money.
3. Being hungry and having no way to get food. (Being hungry, walking past a fast food restaurant, smelling the food and not being able to buy any is very depressing.)
The above is just one aspect of the experiences of America's poor.
It is critical that we HELP people get jobs. Municipalities, counties and states that are rising to this noble task are to be highly commended.
35
Second chance for criminals. How about a more fair first chance for the kids and adults who are not criminals ane wasting money on felons. We need to support our kids first before wasting capital on losers;.
2
For shame!
7
You did read that the reforms listed save $millions of "wasted capital," right?
5
Anyone who has raised teenagers know they take risks and do stupid and dangerous things. The vast majority outgrow their tendencies and go on to lead productive lives, though some need targeted help to get on the right path. To condemn a person to a life on the margins of society for teenage behavior is not only inhumane, it is fiscally and socially irresponsible. The governor of Connecticut has experience in the criminal justice system and knows what he is doing. I hope his state becomes role model for the rest of the country.
5
A key element in the politics of crime and punishment is who the public thinks is doing the crime and suffering the punishment.
When it is "them" as in code word for "other" the public responds to harsh.
When it is "us" as in code word for our own, the public responds to this Connecticut approach.
We did not just have a war on crime, we had a code word war on Other as part of the Southern Strategy. It was the politics of code word hate, not just an approach to crime.
When it is "them" as in code word for "other" the public responds to harsh.
When it is "us" as in code word for our own, the public responds to this Connecticut approach.
We did not just have a war on crime, we had a code word war on Other as part of the Southern Strategy. It was the politics of code word hate, not just an approach to crime.
58
The Atlantic magazine had an article in 2013 titled, "The Incarceration Epidemic." (http://tinyurl.com/mwmy8oj) The article concluded by saying, "the land of the free has become the home of the jailed."
Anything done to change that state of affairs is indeed good news and Gov. Malloy is to be commended for his “Second Chance Society” initiative as he is for passing laws to institute strict gun controls and increased police accountability.
The sad fact is the that poor in this country don't get too many second chances as the rich. An outrageous example is the "Affleunza" case. The judge who gave a 10-year probation sentence to Ethan Couch, allegedy afflicted by "Affluenza," who killed four people in a drunk driving accident, also gave 20 year prison sentence to another poverty-stricken teen involved in a fatal DWI crash. While both probably deserved some jail time, the poverty-stricken teen received a harsh jail sentence for killing one person while the aflluent kid got none for killing four. Of course, this happened in Texas, not CT.
Anything done to change that state of affairs is indeed good news and Gov. Malloy is to be commended for his “Second Chance Society” initiative as he is for passing laws to institute strict gun controls and increased police accountability.
The sad fact is the that poor in this country don't get too many second chances as the rich. An outrageous example is the "Affleunza" case. The judge who gave a 10-year probation sentence to Ethan Couch, allegedy afflicted by "Affluenza," who killed four people in a drunk driving accident, also gave 20 year prison sentence to another poverty-stricken teen involved in a fatal DWI crash. While both probably deserved some jail time, the poverty-stricken teen received a harsh jail sentence for killing one person while the aflluent kid got none for killing four. Of course, this happened in Texas, not CT.
71
Liberals constantly use the "affluenza" case as an example of how rich people are the true criminals. Very little mention of the carnage, violence and shootings plaguing inner cities.
2
"For example, after lawmakers raised the age of adult criminal responsibility to 18 from 16, the number of people between 18 and 21 behind bars dropped by more than half."
It's play with statistics day. Connecticut has raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18. So most 18-21 year olds are held in juvenile facilities and are technically not "behind bars." They are still detained. It's not like CT cut the crime or sentencing rate for young people. It shuffled them around. How can you trust reformers who lie about their success?
It's play with statistics day. Connecticut has raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18. So most 18-21 year olds are held in juvenile facilities and are technically not "behind bars." They are still detained. It's not like CT cut the crime or sentencing rate for young people. It shuffled them around. How can you trust reformers who lie about their success?
3
Please may we have more? Mr. Malloy, you have my gratitude, admiration, and more. Can we bottle you and send you to all the other states?
49
Kudos to Gov. Malloy!
(note: as a CT resident, I am not generally a fan of his fiscal policies, but give him thumbs up on this).
(note: as a CT resident, I am not generally a fan of his fiscal policies, but give him thumbs up on this).
22
What Connecticut has become is a highly experimental society. We have no idea yet what the effects of sharply diminished prison populations will have on the safety of society generally, even though as a people and not just within CT we seem to have accepted that we must risk this in the name of humanity and in the practical cause of reducing related expense. And severely intensified gun control laws at the state level, like attacks on Roe, has made the definition of what it means to be an American again a highly fragmented one by state.
However, on balance, Mr. Malloy’s penal, police and general justice system reforms reflect the priorities of an increasing number of Americans; and if they work, likely will spread beyond our more progressive states to our less progressive ones.
It’s good to have at least one laboratory of experimentation on these matters to test liberalizing impulses on Americans. But we should remain careful about placing great hope on unproved experiments – otherwise, the backlash in the event that some of them are not as successful as we hope could be dramatic.
However, on balance, Mr. Malloy’s penal, police and general justice system reforms reflect the priorities of an increasing number of Americans; and if they work, likely will spread beyond our more progressive states to our less progressive ones.
It’s good to have at least one laboratory of experimentation on these matters to test liberalizing impulses on Americans. But we should remain careful about placing great hope on unproved experiments – otherwise, the backlash in the event that some of them are not as successful as we hope could be dramatic.
6
I appreciate your concerns Richard, and am one vote for Malloy's approach vs. the other states and the "backlashes" they are suffering.
4
Lorenn:
Think I made it plain that I'm another such vote. But what we're after are lasting effects, and those can be threatened by a too-rosy set of expectations on the success of experiments that may fail.
Think I made it plain that I'm another such vote. But what we're after are lasting effects, and those can be threatened by a too-rosy set of expectations on the success of experiments that may fail.
1
It appears Mr. Malloy has created in the national criminal justice system an island of hope and enlightened humanity in a sea harsh indifference.
80
We have long referred to those who manage prisons as the department of 'corrections,' but acted as if it was the department of revenge. "Lock em up and throw away the key" has been an unspoken mantra for too long - especially when many of those locked up are eventually released back into society. Dealing appropriate with criminals takes resources, but then too so does housing, feeding, and guarding them 24/7 for years on end.
There are many things which will help from improved schools in poor areas, psychological support for families, domestic violence prevention programs, better gun control, job training, and affordable housing and day care. That said, once an individual is in the criminal justice system rehabilitation ought to be the focus. Productive members of society care for their children, pay taxes, and contribute to the well-being of their community. Criminals simply dumped back on the street after doing time generally simply return to a life of crime. We need more leaders like Governor Malloy.
There are many things which will help from improved schools in poor areas, psychological support for families, domestic violence prevention programs, better gun control, job training, and affordable housing and day care. That said, once an individual is in the criminal justice system rehabilitation ought to be the focus. Productive members of society care for their children, pay taxes, and contribute to the well-being of their community. Criminals simply dumped back on the street after doing time generally simply return to a life of crime. We need more leaders like Governor Malloy.
87
Overall I am encouraged by this effort. I see two points where I would seek further improvements, though. I am puzzled by the distinction between serious and not-serious crimes being used to determine how youths are treated by the criminal justice system; so kids who commit "the most serious crimes" have more mature brain development than those who commit lesser crimes? The other elephant in the room, as I understand how things are, is getting drugs out of prisons -- people who enter incarceration should not have the opportunity to use drugs while in prison and emerge addicted and using drugs when they are released years later. If people are being locked up for their addictions and the behaviors that arise from such addictions (like stealing and dealing), the system ought to provide them with an environment while locked up that shapes their behavior in healthier directions, not an environment that supports more of same dysfunctional behavior of using drugs. If this problem exists in Connecticut (I've heard former inmates and addicts talk about it for other jurisdictions), the effort at drug rehabilitation within the prisons needs to be coupled with getting drugs out of the prisons, it seems to me.
23
They have been trying to get drugs out of prisons, since the beginning. Indeed, the general failure to do so is perhaps the biggest mark of the failure of the war on drugs, in that it hasn't even been able to eliminate drugs from buildings that are supposedly completely controlled by the government.
3
The distinction between serious and not serious crimes is (or should be) one of public safety. The teen who commits murder may not have mature brain development, but nevertheless needs to be removed from society for an extended period so that he (or, less frequently, she) cannot kill again.
7
I live in Texas, but grew up in Connecticut. So proud to see my home state leading the other 49 to a more civilized society, as Texas sprints toward the Middle Ages as fast as it can.
149
Don't insult the Middle Ages!
13
Texas is a big state and surprisingly you guys are leading the way in terms of Juvenile Justice Reforms. Seems Conservatives are as sick of wasting their taxes locking people up as Liberals are at wasting so many lives. Sometimes common sense can see opposite sides agree for different reasons to affect real change. Good article on this in the Texas Observer: http://www.texasobserver.org/texas-juvenile-justice-reformers-take-victo...
3
I live in CT and I think this is a great idea (actually a group of great ideas). One things that most of us can agree on is that the "get tough on crime" and "three strikes and you're out" programs didn't work very well. Incredible high costs (both in dollars and social cost) and applied unfairly. Yes, let's give this a try.
98
Gosh Darn. Give a man a means to earn a living and he might not go back to crime to support himself, in the spirit of a reformatory.
All for less than the price of a year's incarceration.
but that would be soft on crime.
All for less than the price of a year's incarceration.
but that would be soft on crime.
64
Not having a job is not the reason people deal and use drugs. There is a lot of money to be made in the drug trade and you are your own boss. Believe it or not, some people actually do not want to work. How many of NYT readers have gone into a slum area and seen what goes on there?
2
Simon - Do YOU understand the deeper reasons for "what goes on" in a slum area or do you just go with your gut belief that the people there "actually do not want to work"? It really isn't that simple.
4
Advertising the decreases in number of inmates aging from 18 to 21, resulted by lampooning the age for juvenile incarceration, albeit given reference of new research on brain development, do sounds like unsubstantiated.
The all time low crime rate in Connecticut, needs negating plethora of the other reasons, before crediting criminal improvements, absolutely to Mayor's reforms.
The all time low crime rate in Connecticut, needs negating plethora of the other reasons, before crediting criminal improvements, absolutely to Mayor's reforms.
1
The point is is that if Connecticut's crime rate is low and getting lower still, clearly there is no need to keep sending more people to jail.
7
>
This is a great idea. Felony convictions have become a life sentence for people. One that leads them right back to prison. If you do your time, your debt should end right there.
I'm a Pagan, not a Christian, but I understand forgiveness better than most Christians.
This is a great idea. Felony convictions have become a life sentence for people. One that leads them right back to prison. If you do your time, your debt should end right there.
I'm a Pagan, not a Christian, but I understand forgiveness better than most Christians.
101
As a Christian, I totally agree with your last statement!
1
Judging from your gratuitous closing statement, your willingness to forgive doesn't extend to those who who have been hurt so much that they find it hard to forgive, as the forgiveness of Christians does.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheshire,_Connecticut,_home_invasion_murders
Komisarjevsky raped the 11-year-old Michaela, and photographed sexual assault of the youth on his cell phone
Liberal gun "policy" (leaving citizens defenseless) & weak kneed law enforcement sickens me.