Today, the Vera Institute put on a truly amazing presentation regarding Gun Violence in America.
I was incredibly fortunate to attend. And with that, I want to challenge the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Association of Michigan: embrace the data.
Year after year, multiple studies demonstrate that “tough on crime” policies and Mass Incarceration does not work. Yet, Prosecuting Attorneys across Michigan, across the country, are still employing it.
The definition of insanity, is doing the same thing and expecting different results.
So why keeping doing it? When the evidence that what is being done isn’t working, is so clearly laid out, who is it serving to ignore it?
The real answer, if we’re being honest, is no one. It damages communities and creates cycles of poverty. But Prosecutors have the power to change this. Resources from the Brennan Center and Fair and Just Prosecution lay out how prosecutors can take steps to being and doing better for their communities.
The Smart Decarceration Project is coming up with solutions to address things like gun crimes through evidence-based diversion programs.
It takes courage to lead; to stand up and admit that the way society has been doing things is wrong. People need leaders to show up and explain it to them, or they will never, ever understand.
So why aren’t they leading the way?
Why aren’t they taking steps to protect the next generation of Michiganders from the cycles caused by mass incarceration?
