The Department of Correction continues to try to find ways to reform the New York City jail system. Mayor de Blasio announced today that every inmate will soon receive re-entry services to help connect them with jobs and opportunities outside of jail. In addition, inmates will get five hours of programming per day while they are behind bars to address "vocational, educational, and therapeutic needs." The DOC reports that since Mayor de Blasio took office, the jail population has decreased about 18 percent from an average of 11,478 in December 2013 to 9,362 this month. In addition, the City credits recent reforms for lowering the number of serious assaults on staff by 38 percent and the number of serious uses of force by correction officers by 51 percent. What do you say? Do you welcome the "Jails To Jobs" program outlined today? If you've been to Rikers or work with inmates, how do you think a steady job would help reduce recidivism? Are Mayor de Blasio's efforts to reform the jail system working? What ideas do you have?
Your Thoughts
Our tax dollars pay for all their meals and other activities so why not pay for education for a better life and be a positive part of society.
Fern from Harlem
This Mayor will say anything to get votes and think this is just another one of his grand plans. I do think there are some first time, non-violent offenders who would certainly benefit from continued education and the opportunity to get a job after their release- however, I think that should be reserved for the few, not the many.
Lynn, Upper Eastside
I would only let them out once if they did something petty like steal food. But really how many chances can we give some of these fellas. How many have been arrested multiple times and come out and take an innocent life. We need to really analyze this.
Judith
Jail or prison time is an incredible barrier to employment and a major contributor to recidivism. To see the mayor push this initiative forward is heartening as it means that he's trying to get the city is behind it from the top down. I applaud him for that, but I would like to see even more initiatives in the future to help prepare inmates, short-term or long-term, successfully re-enter society.
Nick, Flushing
RIKERS ISLAND IS CHOCK FULL OF INNOCENT PEOPLE. JUST GO THERE AND ASK THEM !!!!
Louie. Ozone Pk.
Many inmates are at Rikers because they can't post Bail! It is a shame if they don't earn the skills they need to get a job when they are released! Take a page from the Doe Fund These men live in Group homes and Clean our streets and are learning skills!
Christina, Upper Eastside
Why not assign a few judges, public defenders and ADA's to Rikers Island in order to offer inmates a "bench trial" as a way to speed up adjudication of their case. Those who want a trial of their peers would have to wait for their court date. This would help reduce the population. And yes, I think the mayor has a good idea.
Jack from Kew Gardens
Jails and Prisons have one thing in common. Some people consider life in jail and prison as normal life. Which is why there are people referred to as "Repeat Offenders." Helping people out may sound nice, but happens to repeat offenders who do not make an effort to better themselves? Also: I have a friend who works at Riker's Island as a Captain, and my friend always tells me that she sees the same people coming back after they are discharged, So why bother having them discharged.
Kevin, Clifton, Staten Island
It's always a pleasure to listen to your show. I very strongly believe that everyone deserves a second chance. And yes, those who want to work they should be given a chance to bland in with the society. I also believe that if one has a job and gets a decent pay then that individual will not have any time to do some stupid thing and get him or her self back to jail. That's my opinion though.
Thanks John,
Fabio, Queens NY
EVERYBODY IS ENTITLED TO SPACE FOR ERROR. BUT DOES THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE CAREER CRIMINALS? IF SO WHAT'S THE GUARANTEE OF REHABILITATION TO GIVE SOME INCENTIVE FOR THEM TO WANT TO GET ON THE PATH OF PROGESS?
TIM FROM HARLEM
Another dumb idea from deblasio. Man is running the city dry and he is very dangerous for this city.He should be trying to get the homeless back on there feet and getting them jobs before he gets criminals work.
Joe from Maspeth
This is even a new low for our progressive mayor. Pandering to criminals rather than trying to assist ordinary New Yorkers gain employment. Why isn't such attention given to law abiding citizens? Me thinks this is just another tactic of the de Blasio to get more votes.
Carey from the Bronx
The jail population is down, assaults by inmates are down and use of force by Correction Officers are down. Mayor DeBlasio has a good track record on jails. If he says a "Jails to Jobs" program will work, I support him. Good Job Mr Mayor!
Paul from Jamaica