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​Criminal Justice Reform
Curtis Jones Jr. is a proponent of criminal justice reform and has taken various steps to achieve this. He has decriminalized the possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and defiant trespass. He has helped to close the House of Corrections, which has reduced the city's prison population by over 35% and saved the city $15 million a year. Jones is committed to criminal justice reinvestment and has ensured that money saved from reducing the city's prison population is reinvested back into programs that help reduce recidivism and provide services to returning citizens and the community. He has held several hearings on bail reform and introduced a resolution calling on the DA's office and the courts to examine their bail policies, which led to the implementation of new bail policies. Jones has also increased funding for the Police Assisted Diversion Program, a program aimed at diverting low-level/non-violent offenders away from the criminal justice system and towards supportive, peer-based social services.
Decriminalized (no longer arrest for/just receive civil citation)
Curtis Jones Jr. has taken a proactive approach toward reforming the criminal justice system by advocating for the decriminalization of certain non-violent offenses. Under his leadership, the possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and defiant trespass is no longer subject to arrest but instead, result in a civil citation. This shift towards a more humane and equitable approach to minor offenses reflects Curtis Jones Jr.'s commitment to creating a more just and fair community.
Helped to close the House of Corrections (HOC)
With a focus on criminal justice reform, Curtis Jones Jr. has collaborated with the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform and the Criminal Justice Advisory Board to implement policies aimed at reducing the city's prison population by over 35%. His efforts have led to a significant cost-saving measure, as the closure of a facility as a result of this effort saves the city $15 million annually. This highlights Curtis' commitment to promoting effective and responsible criminal justice policies that benefit the community and the city's finances.
Criminal Justice Reinvestment
Advocating for responsible and strategic allocation of resources, Curtis Jones Jr. prioritizes redirecting savings from reducing the city's prison population and closing the House of Correction back into initiatives that support the successful reintegration of returning citizens and improve overall community well-being. By investing in programs that address the root causes of criminal behavior and provide essential services, Jones strives to break the cycle of recidivism and promote positive outcomes for all.
Bail Reform
Curtis Jones Jr. is an advocate for bail reform, as demonstrated by his actions in the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. He held multiple hearings to address the issue of reducing the reliance on or eliminating cash bail in Philadelphia. In his efforts to push for change, Curtis Jones Jr. introduced Resolution #180032, which called for the examination of bail policies by the DA's Office and the Courts. These efforts resulted in the implementation of new bail policies by the DA's Office.
Increased Funding for the Police-Assisted Diversion Program
This is a program offered to low-level/non-violent drug, prostitution, and retail theft offenses to divert those people away from the criminal justice system and towards supportive, peer-based social services that are customized to the participant's needs.