The Center for Justice Innovation—and our operating programs—are regularly featured in the media. Here is a sampling of the press coverage of our work.
In a court setting, system actors are often assessing the credibility of parties. How is that different over video? Lisa Vavonese, our director of Research-Practice Strategies, joins the NCJA (National Criminal Justice Association) podcast to discuss the challenges and benefits of video court, which is becoming increasingly common since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christina Swarns argues against the dangerousness assessment that is being considered as a bail determinant in New York City. Citing our research, including the impact evaluation of the Center's SOS Brooklyn and "Closing Rikers Island" report, she advocates that these evaluations would not make our justice system better or our communities safer, rather they would further entrench discrimination into an already biased legal system.
Christina Swarns argues against the dangerousness assessment that is being considered as a bail determinant in New York City. Citing our research, including the impact evaluation of the Center's SOS Brooklyn and "Closing Rikers Island" report, she advocates that these evaluations would not make our justice system better or our communities safer, rather they would further entrench discrimination into an already biased legal system.
Center researchers explain how their experience and credibility influenced how they approached interviewing New York City youth for our study on gun violence, "Gotta Make Your Own Heaven." They share the importance of centering community voices through this anecdotal narrative of their experience.
Gothamist reports on our study, supported by the Robin Hood Foundation, that finds vast over-involvement of Black and Brown people in misdemeanor prosecutions. While few of these cases result in criminal convictions, there is a heavy burden and cost to these interactions with law enforcement and the court system.
Those who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents often feel the legal system fails to hold drivers accountable. Highlighting our driver accountability programs that use the principles of restorative justice, KPBS radio in San Diego quotes our Amanda Berman, "Having to confront [the impact of your actions] and reckon with that is much more powerful and much more likely to change behavior."
Discussing the city's Blueprint to End Gun Violence, Elise White, the deputy director of research at the Center, shares findings from our latest study on gun violence, which interviewed young people who use guns, and advocates for larger systems of support and resources to advance public safety and wellbeing.
In Slate, John Pfaff compares gun violence reduction strategies in both Philadelphia and New York City, citing our August 2020 report that looks at reducing this type of violence by addressing the root causes, often systemic, that negatively impact already marginalized communities.
An important piece from Emily Bazelon in the New York Times on crime, prosecution, and public safety. Citing a body of research, including our own, she showcases the "strong evidence that less prosecution and incarceration pays off in improvements in public safety."
Marisol Rivera is a violence interrupter with our Save Our Streets. This anti-violence program works to stop violence and prevent shootings before they escalate. "You can't tell a young person to put a gun down and don't replace it with a job, with a trade, or something they are interested in," Rivera tells abc7 New York of our approach.