BCLive: Promoting Public Safety Since the Pandemic

On October 17th, LEL co-hosted a BCLive virtual event featuring LEL members Madison (WI) Police Chief Shon Barnes, Denver (CO) District Attorney Beth McCann, and Brennan Center Justice Program/LEL Senior Counsel Ruby Nidiry. They were joined by Brennan Center Senior Counsel Ames Grawert in a conversation moderated by former West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant that drew an audience of almost 600 from across the country. This event, which took place shortly after the FBI’s release of its annual crime report for 2023, followed up on the successful bipartisan Congressional briefing that we co-hosted in July, moderated by Ruby Nidiry, featuring LEL members as well as experts, including Ames Grawert, and advocates. 

This series has focused on the importance of using data to combat misinformation about reform and crime. It has also spotlighted LEL members’ support for comprehensive public safety solutions that can help prevent crime, build trust, and advance justice for all in the community.

Here are some highlights of the October 17 event:

The panel began with a discussion about what recent data shows about national crime trends.

• In an opening clip, national data expert Jeff Asher gave a recap of the FBI’s 2023 crime report. He noted, among other things, that the report showed declines in violent and property crime, including a significant 11.6% drop in murders, the largest one-year drop ever recorded.
• Ames Grawert expanded on what the data shows about recent crime trends, discussed some of the possible factors behind the pandemic-era crime spike, and shared other research dispelling myths about links between reform policies and crime.

Listeners then heard about law enforcement championing evidence-based reforms.

• Ruby Nidiry introduced LEL and explained its mission. She discussed how members’ on-the-ground expertise drives their recognition that policies that reduce incarceration and create a fairer justice system are essential for public safety.
• Chief Shon Barnes highlighted some programs that he has implemented, such as the Madison Area Addiction Recovery Initiative, a diversion program for substance use, and restorative justice aimed at reducing recidivism and fostering rehabilitation. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the community and law enforcement and the police department’s crime analysis team that evaluates programs. He noted some promising results such as a record reduction in the number of arrests per year, including a 55% reduction for Black men, and a significant reduction in gun and property crimes in 2023. Madison also has a homicide clearance rate of 80% which is well above the national average.
• DA Beth McCann described some of Denver’s juvenile reform efforts. This includes a Handgun Intervention Program that promotes education and offers second chances to minors convicted of first-time nonviolent firearm offenses. She launched a restorative justice program for adults, that has been completed by over 400 people to date, with a recidivism rate of 3.6% (compared to about 50% after prison and about 17% after probation). Her office has also introduced competency courts that divert individuals with mental health and substance use challenges into treatment.
• Both LEL members emphasized ways they hope to ensure policies are sustainable beyond their tenure. They stressed the importance of building trust by listening and being responsive to community members and the value of transparency and research to counter misinformation about reform policies.

Watch the full video here!