Prisons, Policing, and Prevention: What's Effective in Reducing Crime?

Reports of a nationwide increase in violent crime—the largest in 15 years—may soon have lawmakers calling for tougher measures to protect the public. But putting more people in prison may not be the best way to cut crime rates. According to a new Vera report, Reconsidering Incarceration: New Directions for Reducing Crime, further increases in incarceration are subject to diminishing returns in effectiveness and come at substantial cost to taxpayers. What, then, should policymakers take into account when developing public safety strategies? Join us as the following speakers offer their insights and perspectives—from policing, corrections, prevention, and research—on the approaches and investments that can help control crime without undue reliance on incarceration. Michael P. Jacobson Director, Vera Institute of Justice Former Commissioner of New York City's Departments of Correction and Probation Garry F. McCarthy Police Director, Newark, NJ Lawrence F. Murray (invited) National Director of CASASTART, National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University Don Stemen Author, Reconsidering Incarceration, Vera Institute of Justice Space is limited, so please RSVP to [email protected]. Refreshements will be provided. For more information, see www.vera.org.