Our criminal justice system is often the default response to public health needs, homelessness, mental illness, and substance use, even though it is often not the best solution to these challenges. Implementing evidence-based strategies and data-driven approaches that prevent crime, provide treatment and supportive services, reduce violence, and end cycles of recidivism are essential for protecting and uplifting our communities.

That’s why we support:

• Expanding alternatives to arrest and prosecution, such as diversion and deflection programs, that provide behavioral health and substance use treatment
• Promoting programs that integrate mental health professionals into more effective responses to behavioral health crises such as co-responder and community responder teams
• Providing comprehensive education, vocational training, treatment, health care access, programming, and other services in jails and prisons to support successful reentry into society
• Improving prison and jail conditions, ensuring humane treatment and respect for the dignity of individuals who are incarcerated, and providing avenues for effective and independent oversight
• Investing in community-based programs that address the root causes of crime such as economic inequality and access to housing, jobs, and education