The Center for American Progress is dedicated to developing policies that (1) shrink the footprint of the criminal justice system while improving public health and safety; (2) promote equity and accountability within the justice system; and (3) provide opportunities for people directly impacted by a criminal conviction. The Criminal Justice Reform team’s work stems from principles of fair laws and enforcement of laws; just and proportional responses to crime; comprehensive investments in safety outside of the justice system; and data- and evidence-driven solutions.
Policymakers must take long-overdue action to undo intentionally harmful housing policies that discriminate against people with criminal records and perpetuate racial discrimination.
Justice reform measures can help ensure that women with a criminal record are given a fair chance at quality job opportunities, and these reforms are needed now more than ever in light of the pandemic’s devastating impact on women.
While more must be done to shrink the footprint of the U.S. criminal justice system, the national dialogue around reform during summer 2020 has inspired transformative ideas and tangible policies that can be built on moving forward.
Civilian first responders are good for the public—and for the police.
Americans’ civil liberties are in danger if Congress does not ensure that ordinary people can hold state and federal officials accountable for wrongdoing.
The Biden administration can create a foundation for criminal justice reform efforts through additional executive actions.
The Biden administration can immediately act to begin renewing the federal government’s work to reform civil and criminal justice systems.
Progressive criminal justice policies fared well at the ballot box, with voters across the country approving critical reforms.
Policymakers may have concerns that comprehensive police reform would increase violent crime, but evidence from 10 jurisdictions runs counter to such a relationship.
State and local elected officials are the key to ensuring that significant reforms are made to the criminal justice system.
Establishing a new branch of civilian first responders can help cities reduce overreliance on the police.
By establishing civilian Offices of Neighborhood Safety, local governments can strengthen community safety and reduce overreliance on police.
As Americans start to rethink the role of policing, city leaders can lay the foundation for a community-driven approach to public safety.
As the movements to end mass incarceration and police violence gain momentum, the U.S. government must overhaul its approach to funding criminal justice reform and public safety.
In Pennsylvania, the good moral character rule blocks thousands of people in prison from getting state financial aid for college, and now is the time to eliminate it.
