Tag: Ingredient

Corrections reform is the rarified air of politics that seems to have universal appeal. While you can find the details of the bill elsewhere, the process was fascinating. Ingredient #1 - I believe you must start by having a policy that is well thought out, researched and likely to deliver the promised outcomes, and most importantly, solves an identified problem. First Step Act - CHECK Ingredient #3 - Citizens who care about the issue. Unfortunately, recent times have left many citizens feeling undervalued and not represented, but the loud voice of a people united moves even the most unlovable issues. Over the past decade dozens of advocacy groups have formed from multiple perspectives – conservative and progressive, religious, families of the incarcerated, families of and victims/survivors, formerly incarcerated individuals – all of which care about good criminal justice policies. Great to see that in the case of the First Step Act the notion of not letting good be the enemy of great seems to have won over a plurality of this vocal and effective collective. - CHECK Ingredient #6 - Stakeholder group support. - CHECK Ingredient #7 - A “cause celeb.” As much as we hate it, and deny it, celebrity voices move public opinion significantly. John Wetzel is the chair of The Council of State Governments Justice Center, president of the Association of State Correctional Administrators and Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections.