Report urges New York to expand alternatives to incarceration

December 11, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie. Photo courtesy of State Sen. Myrie

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A new report, “Unlocking Potential: The Role of Community-Based Alternatives in Strengthening Public Safety,” released by the New York State Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) and Reentry Coalition, calls for a statewide overhaul of reentry and alternatives to incarceration programs.

Highlighting the unique challenges faced by upstate and rural communities, the report stresses the need for equitable access to services like housing, mental health care, and workforce development programs.

The white paper’s findings, derived from surveys, roundtables and focus groups, offer a stark view of service gaps in upstate and Western New York counties, including Monroe, Schenectady and Onondaga. These regions have seen rising incarceration rates despite decades of statewide efforts to reduce reliance on the criminal legal system.

“Our community members in jails and prisons often develop or experience exacerbated mental illness and substance use disorders while surviving imprisonment,” said Sen. Julia Salazar, chair of the Senate Corrections Committee. “On release, formerly incarcerated people are positioned at great socioeconomic disadvantage without supports in place to address their unique needs. We can end mass incarceration and keep our communities safe if we invest in proven programs and compassionate care.”

The report points to the economic and social benefits of community-based interventions. Alternatives to incarceration are significantly more cost-effective than traditional incarceration, with every dollar invested yielding returns of up to $5.54 through reduced criminal justice costs and improved health outcomes.

Sen. Zellnor Myrie of Brooklyn talked about the importance of reentry services in achieving public safety goals.

“It’s important to ensure New Yorkers have access to the services and supports they need when returning to their communities,” Myrie said. “We must use every tool at our disposal to improve public safety, and robust reentry services are a critical component of this work.”

The report recommends substantial increases in funding for ATI and reentry services, particularly in underserved areas, along with targeted efforts to address racial disparities. Black residents in some upstate counties are nearly 20 times more likely to be convicted of a felony than their white counterparts, the report reveals.

Other key recommendations include expanding transitional housing, simplifying access to services, and strengthening peer-led initiatives to foster trust and improve outcomes.