SJC Exchange Library

This workshop will provide an update on national violent crime trends as well as an updated analysis examining the relationship between violent crime and reform in SJC sites. Violent crime and homicides increased nationally in 2020 following the onset of the pandemic leading some to speculate that people released due to reform efforts are responsible for many new violent acts committed. To investigate this association, the City University of New York Institute for State and Local Governance (CUNY ISLG) and the JFA Institute (JFA) analyzed data collected from cities and counties participating in the Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC). Findings published to date show SJC cities and counties successfully reduced jail populations without jeopardizing community safety. This workshop will preview updated findings through 2023 which continue to show no association between pretrial releases and new crimes.