ACLU of Connecticut Applauds Governor Malloy’s Second Chance Initiative

The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut applauded the introduction of a sweeping criminal justice reform package introduced by Governor Malloy at Yale Law School today:

For decades, the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut has been litigating and advocating to make Connecticut’s criminal justice system fair and effective. Over the past four years, Governor Malloy has introduced and successfully implemented reforms, with broad popular support, which began to address the state’s incarceration crisis while making Connecticut safer. These reform efforts have been successful: during the governor’s term the state has experienced a significant drop in violent crimes; in 2013 Connecticut’s violent crime reduction more than doubled the national decline. Additionally, the state’s prison population is at a 16-year low.

The governor’s second chance initiative is the latest phase in his effort to prioritize safety, fairness and efficiency over partisan politics. We commend Governor Malloy’s comprehensive front and back end reform efforts.  Modernizing our state’s outdated and ineffective criminal code and eliminating mandatory sentences for non-violent offenses will ensure that criminal justice resources are reserved for dangerous offenders. Back end reforms including increasing the efficiency of the offender release system (for example, ensuring that offenders receive their parole hearings before their eligibility date) and providing meaningful opportunities for ex-offenders to get jobs and housing supports long-lasting reintegration into society, reduces the rate of reoffending and makes everyone safer.  Similar successful bipartisan initiatives have passed in Texas, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.  This shows that community safety and fiscal responsibility can act as a unifying force for meaningful bipartisan criminal justice reform.

— Stephen Glassman, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut