Publications and Research
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2-2024
Abstract
This report addresses the extent to which reform led more people charged with low-level offenses to return home swiftly after an arrest, avoid overnight detention, and limit unnecessary system contact. We focused solely on misdemeanors and Class E felonies where the specific charge is subject to a mandatory DAT (excluding domestic violence, sex offenses, and select other charges) and the individual has not failed to appear in the past two years. Thus, we excluded most cases where police officers retained discretion; however, the data could not isolate all carve-outs, such as people who cannot prove their identity, appear to need immediate medical or mental health care, or where police believe the court will issue an order of protection. The analysis relied on data provided by the Office of Court Administration for criminal arraignments in all 69 city and district courts across New York State from 2019 to 2022.
Comments
A Data Collaborative for Justice at John Jay College report.