Mass Incarceration: Where Do We Go from Here?

Abstract

The devastating consequences of mass incarceration have drawn unprecedented attention over the past few years. Journalists, academics and public interest groups have published extensive research, written compelling articles and lobbied politicians on both sides of the aisle to take concrete steps to reduce both our nation’s prison population and the terrible toll mass incarceration continues to inflict on vulnerable communities. As we show in this Report, progress has been made in the year since our Task Force was established, but much remains to be done. There also is considerable uncertainty about whether successful past initiatives will be carried forward by the Trump administration. This Report therefore aims, in section II below, to chronicle past successes (as well as frustrations) at both the federal and state/local levels in reducing the country’s prison population and the harmful consequences and burdens of mass incarceration. Then, in section III below, we look ahead to areas for potential further action, again at the federal and the state/local levels. We close with a plea to public officials to use the information and initiatives highlighted here to recognize the enormous economic and social costs of over-incarceration, to emulate the promising examples of progress and reform recounted here, and to be creative in seeking to reduce the public cost and burden of our over-reliance upon incarceration while still maintaining public order and safety in all communities.

Keywords: Mass Incaceration, Criminal Justice System Reform