New York City stands at a precarious juncture in the face of increasing crime rates, causing grave concern for many residents. The Democratic groups governing the city and chief mayoral contenders, and the majority of the City Council, firmly believe in shrinking, even eradicating, the city’s jail system. Their faith in the ideal of decarceration blinds them to the real benefits of jails in maintaining public safety and order. The harsh reality, however, contradicts their beliefs: prisons act as a deterrent and help in maintaining public safety, since incarcerated criminals cannot wreak havoc in society.
The City Council headed an informative yet skewed public hearing on criminal justice a week ago. In this meeting, a Council member expressed his apprehensions over the rate of incarceration in the current system. Furthermore, a rallying cry was witnessed from various members advocating the Department of Corrections to reinitiate the release program; a similar program was previously activated during the Covid situation. This sentiment persists despite ample proof that around half of the released individuals hastily stepped back into criminal activities.
Considering this unsettling stance, it becomes incumbent on groups like the Police Benevolent Association and the Corrections Officers’ Benevolent Association, along with other public safety advocates, to challenge the city’s blueprint to shut down jail complexes. The proposed plan is to set up four mini jails across boroughs with a limited capacity, housing only half of the current inmate population. This challenge gains particular importance in light of the appointment of the new police commissioner, who is committed to combating all forms of criminal activity, including those that degrade the quality of life.
Minor infractions might not result in jail time, but it’s worth noting that a large number of such misdemeanors are committed by repeat felons on the run for serious crimes. Once apprehended, these individuals can be incarcerated pretrial if the necessary jail capacity exists. Therefore, it’s imperative for the Police Commissioner to have a sufficient number of jail cells. Regrettably, the principal political runners all stand against providing this requisite jail capacity in the bid to control crime.
A certain candidate is keen on exploring ‘alternatives to incarceration’. Meanwhile, a state representative holds the view that ‘dignified work, economic stability and well-resourced neighborhoods,’ not policing or incarceration, create safety. Furthermore, he proudly affirmed his stance on a law implemented in 2019, obligating judges to release individuals charged with misdemeanors and even certain felonies, such as assault, burglary, and auto theft. Choosing to not detain them or demand cash bail, this law drove down the number of people behind bars, resulting in the escalation of repeat offenders on city streets.
The impact of this law was felt shortly after, with the city witnessing a 20% surge in crime rates merely three months later, including a substantial 34% increase in robberies. The push for decarceration intensified with the onset of the Covid pandemic, and the subsequent year was marked by a distressing rise in city crime rates, exhibiting a shocking 41% uptick in murders and a staggering 67% rise in auto thefts.
The misplaced notion that crime rates can be curbed by shrinking the prisoner population is resisted by a retired local attorney. ‘It’s absurd to think reducing crime can be achieved by reducing the jail population,’ he opines. This flawed line of thinking is the driving force behind the move to shut down the old jail.
The plan to shutter the jail has invited wide-ranging criticism as many believe that establishing smaller jails limited to boroughs will serve as a boon to gang members, making it easier for them to band together. There are advocates who campaign for therapeutic replacements for incarceration. On the other hand, there is no concrete evidence to show that mandated, rehab-oriented programs like job training and therapy can, indeed, act as an efficient deterrence towards crime.
The dismal conditions at the current jail only highlight the pressing need for change. The exorbitant number of assaults on both inmates and corrections officers, coupled with a significant number of inmate deaths due to suicide and drug overdoses, signal a glaring issue with jail management under the current administration. The severity of the situation warrants federal intervention to ensure the safety of inmates and correctional staff.
Perchance, the renovation of the existing jail could offer a viable solution. The secure housing facilities, available outdoor recreational spaces, and scope for future expansion if required; all make this direction worth considering. For the city to effectively reduce crime, it is crucial to maintain a sufficient prison capacity, providing a stable solution for keeping criminals off the streets.