The PRTs generated good will at these SJC sites. They bring diverse stakeholders together and engage them in conversations they would not otherwise have. But digging into the numbers shows a more complicated story. In fact, PRTs do not substantially reduce jail populations on their own.

An estimated 45% of American adults have had an immediate family member incarcerated for some period of time. Incarceration and interaction with law enforcement, even for a short period of time, disrupts and impacts the lives of individuals and their families and communities. The Osborne Association’s Harlem FamilyWorks program has worked to address these impacts and provide supports that improve familial and community relationships.

ISLG believes gender justice can strengthen society, and by centering the voices of women—particularly women of color and trans women—the city, state, and country can better achieve equitable solutions to social problems.

Support for bail reform has grown across the country, with many jurisdictions—in nearby states such as New Jersey and most recently in Illinois—enacting legislation to end or limit the use of cash bail. Research has shown that these types of changes do not negatively impact public safety.