Insights & Information

The U.S. Justice Department has put out final standards in an effort to eliminate prison rape, according to an article by Richard Hoffman in The Washington Post. The Department indicated that the abuse rate might be as high as 10 percent. Technology such as cameras and tracking devices only represent a small role in helping prisons decrease sexual abuse. The author contends that there is no alternative to the three major steps that go further than any written standards, though: 1) thorough training at all levels; 2) sufficiently financed renovation of older prisons and jails; and 3) a broad-based campaign to heighten public expectations. To read the full article, click here.

Prescription painkiller abuse is on the rise, according to a Reuters article by Toni Clarke. Between 1991 and 2010, narcotic painkiller prescription use rose to 209.5 million from 75.5 million, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Prescription painkiller deaths have nearly quadrupled to 15,597, which is more than heroin and cocaine combined. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has increased its efforts to decrease prescription drug abuse by blocking prescription drugs on the black market as well as more thorough inspections of large wholesalers and drug stores. Pharmacies and drug wholesalers are closely monitoring who they sell prescription drugs to in fear of being raided and possibly closed down. People whose functionality and well-being requires painkillers are finding it harder to fill their prescriptions since the more strict approach has taken effect.

An editorial published by The New York Times acknowledges the bipartisan efforts in States across the country to reduce their reliance on incarceration for nonviolent offenders. The editorial cites a new study by the Pew Center on the States, which finds that longer prison sentences cost states an exorbitant amount. In fact, states spent over $10 billion for the additional average 9 months in prison per offender released in 2009 (compared to average sentence lengths in 1990). Greater than half the cost is attributable to nonviolent offenders. The Times notes that the Pew study also concludes that earlier release for nonviolent offenders would not have created an additional public safety risk, based on an examination of arrest and incarceration statistics from Florida, Maryland, and Michigan, and could even be further reduced through enhanced prerelease planning and supervision in the community.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced grants totaling $20,518,598 to 18 nonprofit organizations across the country to fund employment-related services for formerly incarcerated adults. Grantees will use the funds to provide occupational training that leads to credentials in high-demand industries; mentoring; and assistance in connecting formerly incarcerated adults with supportive services such as housing, substance abuse programs and mental health treatment. This program aims to break the cycle of people being released from prisons without assistance to make a successful transition. Tri-County Urban League in Peoria, IL will be receiving a $1,042,908 as a program grantee. For more information about the program, click here.

Safer Foundation has partnered with Men's Wearhouse on its 5th National Suit Drive. Men's Wearhouse will be accepting gently used, clean, professional clothing donations from June 27 through July 31. When you make a tax-deductible attire donation, you're giving more than clothing - you're giving a Safer Foundation client a second chance. For every suit received, Men's Wearhouse will donate two new ties to the cause. For more information on the suit drive and how to donate, click here.

Senate Bill 2621, which will permit the Illinois Department of Corrections to award sentence credits to people with low-level offenses for completing educational programs, community service, and good behavior, has been passed by the Illinois General Assembly. This type of program is a standard tool used to encourage participation in programs that reduce recidivism. The John Howard Association, a major supporter and chief advocate of the bill, says it is an intelligent and cost-effective solution to prison overcrowding. To find out more, click here. To add your voice to those supporting the bill, contact Governor Quinn and ask him to sign the bill.

Tamms Correctional Center is too costly for Illinois, says the John Howard Association (JHA), which urges State officials to close the facility. Tamms is currently Illinois’ only “supermax” prison, costing nearly $65,000 a year per inmate, the most of all Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities. JHA found evidence that long-term isolation at Tamms – often 23-24 hours per day, for months or years – has harmful impacts on inmates’ mental and physical health. JHA also reports that IDOC staff do not receive adequate training or support to manage the needs of the population at the facility. To read the full report, click here.

 Baltimore is receiving high recognition from police, mayors, and the U.S. Department of Justice for Safe Streets, a program in which people with criminal backgrounds are hired to combat neighborhood violence that is modeled after a similar program in Chicago called CeaseFire. As reported by Melanie Eversley in USAToday.com, program success is attributed to the staff’s credibility on the streets -- they have all been involved in the criminal justice system themselves. Since Safe Streets was introduced in 2004, shootings have dropped 41 percent. The Justice Department plans to expand the number of program sites from two to four with a $2.2 million dollar grant.

At the “Getting Smarter on Crime: Discussing Diversion in Cook County Criminal Justice” forum, the Chicago Reader‘s Mick Dumke will moderate a panel discussion among public safety leaders about recent successes and future opportunities to improve Cook County’s criminal justice process. It will emphasize the ways Cook County can divert defendants out of the criminal justice system safely and cost-effectively.

June 27th, 3-5 p.m.
Roosevelt University
Congress Lounge, 2nd Floor
430 S Michigan Ave
R.S.V.P. HERE

The Council of State Governments Justice Center has unveiled a new web-based inventory of research on the effectiveness of a wide variety of reentry interventions, according to an article by Ted Gest posted on TheCrimeReport.org. The “What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse” aims to provide information to governmental entities and criminal justice practitioners on the effectiveness of reentry programs to use when choosing programs and services for people released from incarceration. To date, over 1,000 studies have been identified as potentially worth including, several hundred, have been processed, and more than 600 remain to be reviewed. The ongoing project is aimed at identifying and analyzing all research done on the subject in the last three decades.