Justice Roundtable The Justice Roundtable is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 organizations working to reform federal criminal justice laws and policies. Justice Roundtable
Clean Slate Initiative The Clean Slate Initiative is a national bipartisan coalition advancing policies to automatically clear all eligible criminal records across the United States and help state partners provide people with a fresh start. Clean Slate Initiative
Drug Policy Alliance - Marijuana Justice Coalition The Marijuana Justice Coalition is a broad coalition of national advocacy organizations, convened by the Drug Policy Alliance, who have joined forces to advocate for federal marijuana reform through a racial and economic justice lens. Drug Policy Alliance - Marijuana Justice Coalition
Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis Fact SheetSep 21, 2023 Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis Sep 21, 2023 Trinh Q. Truong, Debu Gandhi, Jill Rosenthal, 5 More Marquisha Johns, Mariam Rashid, Dan Restrepo, Akua Amaning, Cleo Bluthenthal
Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach ReportSep 20, 2023 Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach Sep 20, 2023 Trinh Q. Truong, Debu Gandhi, Jill Rosenthal, 5 More Marquisha Johns, Mariam Rashid, Dan Restrepo, Akua Amaning, Cleo Bluthenthal
The Case for Cash Bail Reform Fact SheetAug 9, 2023 The Case for Cash Bail Reform Aug 9, 2023 Allie Preston
4 Ways States and Localities Are Improving Employment Outcomes for Reentering Young Adults ReportJun 27, 2023 4 Ways States and Localities Are Improving Employment Outcomes for Reentering Young Adults Jun 27, 2023 David Correa
2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past EventOct 25, 2023 2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future. Oct 25, 2023
Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis Fact SheetSep 21, 2023 Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report outlining the need for a whole-of-government, society-wide approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid overdose epidemic. Sep 21, 2023 Trinh Q. Truong, Debu Gandhi, Jill Rosenthal, 5 More Marquisha Johns, Mariam Rashid, Dan Restrepo, Akua Amaning, Cleo Bluthenthal
Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach ReportSep 20, 2023 Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach The opioid epidemic is a complex public health crisis that can be ameliorated by addressing root causes of drug use; expanding access to treatment and harm reduction strategies; and reducing the supply of illicit opioids entering the United States. Sep 20, 2023 Trinh Q. Truong, Debu Gandhi, Jill Rosenthal, 5 More Marquisha Johns, Mariam Rashid, Dan Restrepo, Akua Amaning, Cleo Bluthenthal
The Case for Cash Bail Reform Fact SheetAug 9, 2023 The Case for Cash Bail Reform Cash bail reform is a critical step to ensuring a safe and equitable pretrial process. Aug 9, 2023 Allie Preston
4 Ways States and Localities Are Improving Employment Outcomes for Reentering Young Adults ReportJun 27, 2023 4 Ways States and Localities Are Improving Employment Outcomes for Reentering Young Adults Forward-thinking state and local policymakers should continue to take action to improve the employment outcomes of 18- to 24-year-olds reentering their communities. Jun 27, 2023 David Correa
Safe Streets for All: An Opportunity To Rethink Traffic Enforcement ArticleJun 14, 2023 Safe Streets for All: An Opportunity To Rethink Traffic Enforcement The Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All program can be leveraged to support community-level innovation in roadway safety efforts, including by rethinking traffic enforcement strategies to improve the physical and psychological safety of Black drivers and others on the road. Jun 14, 2023 Allie Preston
The time for a federal ‘clean slate’ measure is long overdue In the NewsApr 29, 2023 The time for a federal ‘clean slate’ measure is long overdue Akua Amaning writes about why federal policymakers should pass clean slate legislation. Apr 29, 2023 The Hill Akua Amaning
Rasheed and the Power of a Second Chance VideoApr 27, 2023 Rasheed and the Power of a Second Chance Rasheed’s story sheds light on the barriers that so many young adults face when returning to their communities and the opportunities that second chance policies give to young adults who are looking to enter the labor market. Apr 27, 2023 Akua Amaning, Allie Preston, David Ballard, 6 More Marina Zhavoronkova, Andrew Sonntag, Hai-Lam Phan, Ala Al Sadi, Toni Pandolfo, Madalyn Reagan
St. Cyr and the Power of a Second Chance VideoApr 20, 2023 St. Cyr and the Power of a Second Chance St. Cyr's story illustrates the need for supportive reentry services for formerly incarcerated individuals who face barriers to accessing employment due to exclusionary policies. Apr 20, 2023 Akua Amaning, Allie Preston, David Ballard, 5 More Marina Zhavoronkova, Andrew Sonntag, Hai-Lam Phan, Toni Pandolfo, Ala Al Sadi
How To Improve Employment Outcomes for Young Adults Leaving Incarceration ReportMar 16, 2023 How To Improve Employment Outcomes for Young Adults Leaving Incarceration Young adults reentering communities after incarceration face many barriers to finding stable work, but forward-thinking policies can lead to better employment outcomes and safer communities. Mar 16, 2023 Marina Zhavoronkova, Allie Preston, Justin Schweitzer, 1 More Akua Amaning
Fact Sheet: Addressing Employment Barriers for Young Adults Leaving Incarceration Fact SheetMar 16, 2023 Fact Sheet: Addressing Employment Barriers for Young Adults Leaving Incarceration Many young adults re-entering communities after incarceration face institutional barriers to reaching their employment goals—and policymakers can and should take action to help them. Mar 16, 2023 Marina Zhavoronkova, Allie Preston, Justin Schweitzer, 2 More Akua Amaning, Arohi Pathak
Opinion: Three Black leaders offer one practical solution to reduce police assaults on Black motorists In the NewsMar 13, 2023 Opinion: Three Black leaders offer one practical solution to reduce police assaults on Black motorists Patrick Gaspard partners with Color of Change's Rashad Robinson and the Vera Institute of Justice's Nicholas Turner to discuss the dangers of traffic stops for Black motorists and to urge leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to seek solutions. Mar 13, 2023 CNN Patrick Gaspard, Rashad Robinson , Nicholas Turner
The Killing of Tyre Nichols Must Serve as a Catalyst to Root Out Racial Injustice in Policing ArticleFeb 10, 2023 The Killing of Tyre Nichols Must Serve as a Catalyst to Root Out Racial Injustice in Policing The killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police in Memphis has focused the national attention on the dangers of driving while Black in America and the urgent need for police reform that fulfills the promise of public safety. Feb 10, 2023 Rachael Eisenberg, Brandon Tucker, Hadi Sedigh
What To Read Before the State of the Union ArticleFeb 3, 2023 What To Read Before the State of the Union The economy; democracy and the courts; and community safety and gun violence are expected to be at center stage as President Biden prepares to address the nation during his second State of the Union address. Feb 3, 2023 Kiera Manser, Rose Khattar, Ben Olinsky, 1 More Rachael Eisenberg
America’s Broken Criminal Legal System Contributes to Wealth Inequality ReportDec 13, 2022 America’s Broken Criminal Legal System Contributes to Wealth Inequality New CAP analysis highlights how the nation’s failed experiment with mass incarceration and overcriminalization strips wealth from families and widens the racial wealth gap. Dec 13, 2022 Christian E. Weller, Akua Amaning, Rebecca Vallas
5 Ways Cash Bail Systems Undermine Community Safety ReportNov 3, 2022 5 Ways Cash Bail Systems Undermine Community Safety The cash bail status quo harms community safety through its effects on health, economic stability, employment, familial relationships, and housing. Nov 3, 2022 Allie Preston
Progressive Prosecutors Are Not Tied to the Rise in Violent Crime ArticleOct 26, 2022 Progressive Prosecutors Are Not Tied to the Rise in Violent Crime A new research study finds no evidence linking progressive prosecutors to rising crime in major cities. Oct 26, 2022 Rachael Eisenberg, Allie Preston
ARPA Funds Continue To Support Community Safety Efforts Through Community Responder Programs ArticleOct 12, 2022 ARPA Funds Continue To Support Community Safety Efforts Through Community Responder Programs With the help of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, governments are expanding their public safety strategies to invest in community responder programs that reduce reliance on law enforcement and provide communities with meaningful emergency management support. Oct 12, 2022 Akua Amaning
Centering Youth in Community Violence Interventions as Part of a Comprehensive Approach to Countering Gun Violence ReportOct 11, 2022 Centering Youth in Community Violence Interventions as Part of a Comprehensive Approach to Countering Gun Violence Community violence intervention programs are a critical part of a comprehensive approach to reduce the impact of rising gun violence on youth and in U.S. communities. Oct 11, 2022 Terrell Thomas, Rachael Eisenberg
Cash Bail Reform Is Not a Threat to Public Safety ReportSep 19, 2022 Cash Bail Reform Is Not a Threat to Public Safety Reform to cash bail and pretrial practices promotes public safety and decreases harm for those who are arrested. Sep 19, 2022 Allie Preston, Rachael Eisenberg
The American Rescue Plan Has Helped State and Local Governments Invest in Community Safety ReportAug 15, 2022 The American Rescue Plan Has Helped State and Local Governments Invest in Community Safety With the support of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, state governments are expanding their public safety strategies to invest in proven crime reduction strategies that go beyond traditional law enforcement efforts to support communities at risk of violence. Aug 15, 2022 Akua Amaning
Continuing Efforts To Slow Violent Crime ReportJul 27, 2022 Continuing Efforts To Slow Violent Crime Houston, Boston, and Newark have improved public safety through violence prevention efforts outside traditional law enforcement. Jul 27, 2022 Rachael Eisenberg, Allie Preston
Community-Based Violence Interruption Programs Can Reduce Gun Violence ArticleJul 14, 2022 Community-Based Violence Interruption Programs Can Reduce Gun Violence Violence interruption is a community-based intervention strategy that can reduce gun violence and improve public safety in neighborhoods around the country. Jul 14, 2022 Jahdziah St. Julien
Profit Over People: Primer on U.S. Cash Bail Systems ReportJul 6, 2022 Profit Over People: Primer on U.S. Cash Bail Systems Cash bail practices undermine the presumption of innocence in the criminal legal system and lead to racially and economically disparate outcomes. Jul 6, 2022 Allie Preston, Rachael Eisenberg
Fact Sheet: Profit Over People: Inside the Commercial Bail Bond Industry Fueling America’s Cash Bail Systems Fact SheetJul 6, 2022 Fact Sheet: Profit Over People: Inside the Commercial Bail Bond Industry Fueling America’s Cash Bail Systems The commercial bail industry perpetuates unjust cash bail systems and relies on egregious practices to protect its bottom line. Jul 6, 2022 Allie Preston
Profit Over People: The Commercial Bail Industry Fueling America’s Cash Bail Systems ReportJul 6, 2022 Profit Over People: The Commercial Bail Industry Fueling America’s Cash Bail Systems The commercial bail industry perpetuates unjust cash bail systems and relies on egregious practices to protect its bottom line. Jul 6, 2022 Allie Preston, Rachael Eisenberg
Don’t Blame Bail Reform for Gun Violence ArticleJun 23, 2022 Don’t Blame Bail Reform for Gun Violence There is no evidence linking bail reform to the rising rates of violent crime in the United States. Jun 23, 2022 Allie Preston, Rachael Eisenberg
Community-Based Violence Interventions: Proven Strategies To Reduce Violent Crime Fact SheetJun 15, 2022 Community-Based Violence Interventions: Proven Strategies To Reduce Violent Crime Leaders around the nation should prioritize community-based violence intervention programs to reduce gun violence and violent crime more broadly. Jun 15, 2022 Akua Amaning, Hassen Bashir
Frequently Asked Questions About Community-Based Violence Intervention Programs ReportJun 3, 2022 Frequently Asked Questions About Community-Based Violence Intervention Programs Community-based violence intervention programs have proved to reduce homicides and shootings. Jun 3, 2022 CAP Criminal Justice Reform team, CAP Gun Violence Prevention team
The Role of Civilian Offices of Violence Prevention in Helping Communities Stem Gun Violence ArticleMay 10, 2022 The Role of Civilian Offices of Violence Prevention in Helping Communities Stem Gun Violence How civilian offices of violence prevention can curb gun violence by supporting community-driven solutions. May 10, 2022 Rachael Eisenberg, David Muhammad, DeVone Boggan
Second Chances Make Our Communities Safer Past EventApr 27, 2022 Second Chances Make Our Communities Safer Please join CAP and the Clean Slate Initiative for a virtual event on how clean slate policies make our communities safer by increasing employment and opportunities that reduce recidivism and crime. Apr 27, 2022
Give Women a Second Chance—Our Economy Depends on It In the NewsApr 18, 2022 Give Women a Second Chance—Our Economy Depends on It Akua Amaning and Sheena Meade write about how second chance policies can help lift millions of women out of poverty. Apr 18, 2022 Newsweek
Fines and Fees Are a Barrier to Criminal Record-Clearing ArticleNov 30, 2021 Fines and Fees Are a Barrier to Criminal Record-Clearing Jurisdictions can take several steps to eliminate the financial barriers imposed by fines and fees, which would help system-impacted individuals clear their records and reenter society. Nov 30, 2021 Gus Tupper, Akua Amaning, Jaboa Lake
Beyond the U.S. Department of Justice ReportJul 15, 2021 Beyond the U.S. Department of Justice The federal government has the opportunity to look to agencies beyond the Department of Justice to advance progressive criminal justice reforms. Jul 15, 2021 Sarah Figgatt
The Facts on Pattern-or-Practice Investigations Fact SheetJul 8, 2021 The Facts on Pattern-or-Practice Investigations The U.S. Department of Justice seems poised to restore pattern-or-practice investigations to promote constitutional and effective policing. Jul 8, 2021 Kenny Lo
A Criminal Record Shouldn’t Be a Life Sentence to Poverty ReportMay 28, 2021 A Criminal Record Shouldn’t Be a Life Sentence to Poverty Bipartisan momentum for clean slate and fair chance licensing policies—which remove barriers to economic opportunity for people facing the stigma of a criminal record—has grown significantly in the states in recent years. May 28, 2021 Rebecca Vallas, Sharon Dietrich, Beth Avery
How To Address Concerns About Data on Deaths in Custody ReportMay 24, 2021 How To Address Concerns About Data on Deaths in Custody With the U.S. Department of Justice beginning to collect data pursuant to the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013, Congress and state legislatures should take the initiative to ensure the dependability of the forthcoming data. May 24, 2021 Kenny Lo
Clean Slate Is Critical for a Healthy Democracy ArticleApr 26, 2021 Clean Slate Is Critical for a Healthy Democracy The automatic clearing of eligible criminal records can help to foster civic engagement and build a healthier democracy. Apr 26, 2021 Maggie Jo Buchanan, Nick Jacobson
Justice in Reentry for Formerly Incarcerated LGBTQ People and People Living With HIV ArticleApr 23, 2021 Justice in Reentry for Formerly Incarcerated LGBTQ People and People Living With HIV Broad reforms and targeted services are needed to reduce the harms of incarceration for LGBTQ people and people living with HIV as they reenter their communities. Apr 23, 2021 Thee Santos
The Facts on Marijuana Equity and Decriminalization Fact SheetApr 20, 2021 The Facts on Marijuana Equity and Decriminalization It is time to end the federal criminalization of marijuana and right the wrongs caused by the war on drugs—especially for communities of color. Apr 20, 2021 Akua Amaning
3 Ways the Biden Administration Can Give Second Chances to Justice-Impacted College Students ArticleApr 19, 2021 3 Ways the Biden Administration Can Give Second Chances to Justice-Impacted College Students The Biden administration should improve policies around admissions, financial aid, and housing to ensure that people with criminal records have fair opportunities to pursue a college education. Apr 19, 2021 Bradley D. Custer
Preventing and Removing Barriers to Housing Security for People With Criminal Convictions ArticleApr 14, 2021 Preventing and Removing Barriers to Housing Security for People With Criminal Convictions Policymakers must take long-overdue action to undo intentionally harmful housing policies that discriminate against people with criminal records and perpetuate racial discrimination. Apr 14, 2021 Jaboa Lake
Advancing Gender Equity for Justice-Impacted Women in the Aftermath of COVID-19 ReportMar 29, 2021 Advancing Gender Equity for Justice-Impacted Women in the Aftermath of COVID-19 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. Mar 29, 2021 Akua Amaning
5 Discussions That Shaped the Justice Reform Movement in 2020 ArticleMar 18, 2021 5 Discussions That Shaped the Justice Reform Movement in 2020 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. Mar 18, 2021 Kenny Lo, Sarah Figgatt, Betsy Pearl, 1 More Chelsea Parsons
Introducing Community Responders: How To Dispatch the Right Response to Every 911 Call Fact SheetMar 11, 2021 Introducing Community Responders: How To Dispatch the Right Response to Every 911 Call Civilian first responders are good for the public—and for the police. Mar 11, 2021 Betsy Pearl, Amos Irwin
Qualified Immunity and the Bivens Doctrines Explained VideoFeb 11, 2021 Qualified Immunity and the Bivens Doctrines Explained Americans’ civil liberties are in danger if Congress does not ensure that ordinary people can hold state and federal officials accountable for wrongdoing. Feb 11, 2021 Hai-Lam Phan, Jasmine Hardy, Stephanie Wylie, 3 More Akua Amaning, Sarah Figgatt, Maggie Jo Buchanan
3 Under-the-Radar Executive Actions for the Biden Administration’s Criminal Justice Reform Agenda ArticleFeb 11, 2021 3 Under-the-Radar Executive Actions for the Biden Administration’s Criminal Justice Reform Agenda The Biden administration can create a foundation for criminal justice reform efforts through additional executive actions. Feb 11, 2021 Ed Chung
The Need To Rebuild the DOJ Office for Access to Justice ArticleNov 24, 2020 The Need To Rebuild the DOJ Office for Access to Justice The Biden administration can immediately act to begin renewing the federal government’s work to reform civil and criminal justice systems. Nov 24, 2020 Maggie Jo Buchanan, Maha Jweied, Karen A. Lash