Dear John,

You've heard this before: We can’t arrest our way out of societal problems.That’s why the Law Enforcement Action Partnership identifies alternatives and solutions to problems within the criminal justice system: programs and policies that offer more practical and ethical justice solutions.

Throughout the month of December, we're proud to share 12 Ways of Criminal Justice Reform -- real examples of our speakers making a difference in the world.

Your partnership made these changes happen. Donate now to stand with LEAP as we fight for justice reform in 2020 and beyond.

In solidarity,

Major Neill Franklin (Ret.)

Executive Director

The Ninth Way of Reform: LEAP Opposes Laws Disparately Impacting Lower Income People.

When Texas lawmakers introduced a law that would make the already-broken cash bail system in Texas even worse, LEAP speaker Assistant District Attorney Jake Lilly knew he had to speak out. ADA Lilly wrote an op-ed arguing that the bail system already treats people unjustly based on income and HB 2020 would only add to the problem. He described a system clogged with low-level cases, people forced to plead guilty to avoid sitting in jail awaiting trial, overcrowded jails costing taxpayers, and children with incarcerated parents placed at-risk. Lilly argued for a smart pretrial system based on public safety, not access to cash. The op-ed was picked up by the AP News. Lawmakers heard ADA Lilly’s plea and rejected HB 2020.

The Tenth Way of Reform: LEAP Seeks Alternatives to Incarceration.

Restorative Justice (RJ) can be an effective alternative to incarceration. It provides a framework for victims and offenders to communicate, with goals of empowering victims and producing real accountability on the part of the perpetrators.

LEAP speaker Chief Mike Butler is an expert in this philosophy. He was invited to speak to communities in Florida about the ways in which RJ reduces recidivism and justice system costs and helps crime survivors heal. Chief Butler received an enthusiastic response from those in attendance, and the event host reported, “[Chief Butler’s presentation] has had powerful effects already in the minds and hearts of many, and I believe the positive ripples will continue.” Over the next two years, Florida hopes to triple the number of communities using restorative justice. LEAP also produced a webinar on RJ for law enforcement and other criminal justice reform organizations featuring Chief Butler. Law enforcement visionaries like him are a major reason why momentum continues to build for alternative solutions like restorative justice: solutions that can lead us toward a safer future.

Law Enforcement Action Partnership
121 Mystic Avenue Suite 9 | Medford, Massachusetts 02155
781-393-6985 | [email protected]

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