A criminal record can create lifetime barriers to opportunity, trapping too many Americans in a cycle of arrest, incarceration, and economic disadvantage. Fortunately, in cities nationwide, mayors are interrupting this pattern by expanding second chances and keeping people out of the justice system altogether.
Graphics are by Draw4.Us. Video is presented by Rejane Frederick.
Jasmine Hardy is a video editor at the Center for American Progress. Betsy Pearl is the campaign manager for Criminal Justice Reform at the Center. Ed Chung is the vice president for Criminal Justice Reform at the Center. Lea Hunter is a research assistant for Progress 2050 and the Criminal Justice and Executive teams at the Center.