What Really Lowers Crime - Report

The model of retributive justice favored by police and prison lobbyists has long convinced our political decision makers that separating people from their families through endless punishment is somehow a path to safety: an estimated 8 million Americans have been to prison, over 70 million (20% of the population) are living with a criminal record, and nearly half of American families are impacted by American prisons and jails.

Contrary to the claims of certain politicians, these policies have actually made us less safe. If you believe the fear-driven rhetoric from the last few years that crime is "out of control" as the nation's cities "burn to the ground," then why would we continue to invest in the current model of retribution-based criminal justice system?

Partners for Justice authored a report, "What Really Lowers Crime," and focused on three key findings that research indicates contribute to lowering crime rates and improving safety in communities.

1. Income, through employment or public benefits.
2. Access to safe, stable housing
3. Access to Care: Healthcare, Mental Health Services, and Substance Use Treatment

Let's be honest; if you're visiting this page or are familiar with our organization and what we do, you likely already know those three factors. What you get to do, as an advocate for reducing mass incarceration, reforming sentencing guidelines, and working toward a fairer, more equitable and more restorative justice system, is to take the research that substantiates those three claims above to your next meeting with local, state and federal decision makers and force THEM to see those three factors as clearly as you do.

You can read and download the report "What Really Lowers Crime" at Partners for Justice, an organization that provides collaborative support services to people facing criminal charges while helping public defenders protect people from incarceration and other criminal penalties.