We focus on developing policies to shrink the justice system’s footprint, improve public health and safety, and promote equity and accountability.
People march for the third day since the release of the grand jury report on the death of Breonna Taylor on September 26, 2020, in Louisville, Kentucky. (Getty/Michael M. Santiago)
What We're Doing
Ending mass incarceration
Our work is centered around developing and supporting policies that will end unjust punishments and reduce the social and economic harms of mass incarceration, which have disproportionately devastated Black people and other communities of color.
21st century policing
We are working to advance measures that will increase police transparency and accountability, overhaul harmful police practices, and prioritize community-based solutions to public safety.
The war on drugs
We are working to drastically reduce the criminalization of drugs in America while restoring communities that have been most affected by harsh drug enforcement measures.
Second chances
We advocate for policy options that remove obstacles and barriers for people affected by the criminal justice system while simultaneously highlighting the leadership of affected people in the reform movement.
The Criminal Justice Reform team collaborates with a number of justice reform partners at the national, state, and local levels to help build a more progressive justice system.
How Oakland, California, Radically Reduced Violence
This week, Ed spoke with Capt. Ersie Joyner of the Oakland Police Department about the city's successful and comprehensive Ceasefire program to address gun violence and crime in the community.
Ari Melber: Bring the Ruckus—and Sustainable Policy Ideas
Ed and Daniella chat with Ari Melber—host of MSNBC's "The Beat With Ari Melber"—to discuss the increasingly strained relationship between Congress and the Trump administration, as well as the debate around criminal justice reform.
Filmmaker Ed Zwick and Storytelling to Drive Policy Change
This week, Daniella and Ed spoke with filmmaker Edward Zwick to discuss his new project, "Trial by Fire," as well as the ways in which movies and popular culture can help advance policy change.
Ending Mass Incarceration, With Emily Bazelon and Rachel Barkow
This week, Daniella and Ed talk with Emily Bazelon, staff writer at The New York Times Magazine, and Rachel Barkow, professor at the New York University School of Law, about how to end mass incarceration through comprehensive criminal justice reform.
Live From SXSW: What Should We Expect From the Police?
This week, Ed hosted a panel of experts at the South by Southwest conference that explored what policing should look like in this day and age and how it intersects with criminal justice reform.
This week, Daniella and Ed chat with Candice Jones—president and CEO of the Public Welfare Foundation—to reflect on this year's Black History Month and discuss criminal justice reform.
This week, Daniella and Ed spoke with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti about how his city is moving the needle forward on issues such as infrastructure, immigration, and criminal justice.
Sandy Still Speaks: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland
This week, Daniella moderates a panel with Cannon Lambert, the Bland family attorney, and David Heilbroner, co-director of the documentary, “Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland,” during a live screening of the film at the Center for American Progress.
This Is Us: Valerie Jarrett, Mayor Michael Tubbs, and the Long Road to Progress
Daniella and Ed sit down with Valerie Jarrett and Mayor Michael Tubbs and discuss criminal justice reform at the local level, as well as the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.
