SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE ISSUES

Legislation To Watch:

  • Children of Incarcerated Parents Study: JM is honored to serve on the Advisory Committee on the Effects of Children of Incarcerated Parents studying what services can address the needs of children impacted by crime. About 65% of women and 55% of men in state prisons have children under 18. Reports have stated that children of the incarcerated are six to seven times more likely to go to prison themselves. The study, expected to be completed by Spring 2011, will make recommendations to the state legislature

  • Joint Judiciary Committee for Wrongful Convictions: Justice & Mercy, Inc. is honored to have been asked serve on this commission that is studying the causes of wrongful convictions as proven by DNA testing. We have been a member of the Redress Subcommittee that examined current practices and procedures as well as Pennsylvania law in regard to redress for wrongful convictions. The subcommittee also studied possible compensation statues, the effects on victims, and transitional services for those wrongfully convicted such as medical care, housing, employment training and placement and other social services. Recommendations will be made to the Committee for a report to the legislature shortly. [more]

  • Expungement of Criminal Records - House Bill 264: – This bill, sponsored by Representative Solobay (D-Washington County) provides for the Expungement of misdemeanors of the third degree after 7 years free of arrest. We support as beneficial for former offenders seeking employment, housing, etc. in our communities.
    [more]

  • Alternative Sentencing Guidelines Based – SB 1145: The state prison population is growing at a very dangerous rate that is causing a huge allocation in our state budget. Many of the offenders don’t need lengthy sentences and can be placed in alternative sentencing programs that identify and treat root causes of crime. Please write to your Senator for support for SB 1145 that provides guidelines for judges to identify nonviolent offenders who could benefit. A sample letter is attached.

  • Anti-Shackling Pregnant Prisoner during Labor and Delivery - SB 1074 : Women have been shackled in restraints by wrists and ankles during transport to hospitals and even while giving birth. Escape is extremely unlikely particularly with security officers present. This procedure risks the lives of the women and babies alike and should be banned in most cases as a violation of the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. The bill has been voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and needs a vote of the full Senate. Please write to your Senator to support SB 1074. A sample letter is attached.

  • Pre-Release Procedures for Short Minimum Sentences – SB 1161: State prisons are dangerously overcrowded and pre-release centers that can help offenders transition back to our neighborhoods are being underutilized. Please write your Senator to ask for support of a transfer of a state inmate to a pre-release center when within 18 months of the minimum sentence. We need to focus on successful reintegration since 95% of offenders are being released back. A sample letter is attached.

  • Prison Industry Enhancement: Senator Greenleaf is introducing legislation to provide prisoners with work as jobs skills training to give them more opportunities to get viable employment when released. Call his office to express your support.

  • Safe Community Re-Entry and Reintegration: Senator Greenleaf is introducing legislation that will allow offender access to community and faith-based re-entry services that expand current state prison programs and facilitate more successful release. Call his office to express your support.

Go to http://www.legis.state.pa.us for information on these and other bills and to find out who your legislators are. Contact Jean Bickmire at Justice & Mercy if you have any questions at jbickmire@justicemercy.org.

JUSTICE & MERCY EVENTS

Trading Up: A New Job, A Better Life, A Safer Community.
Over 95% of offenders will be coming back to our neighborhoods. We need structured programs that will increase successful reintegration, thereby reducing the repeat rate of crime. Mentoring and employment are keys to success. Mentoring provides positive support and can help ex-offenders make the right decisions. Therefore, Justice & Mercy is excited to expand our plan begun in "Trading Up" into a mentoring initiative in Lancaster County. [more]

Justice & Mercy is a proud member of the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce.
With an office in Lancaster County, we are happy to introduce you to working, living and playing in Lancaster County through Lancaster County Life 2009/2010 magazine. Click on the icon below.

Read article by Jean Bickmire from Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Newsletter for Feb 2010






ABOUT JUSTICE & MERCY

Justice & Mercy is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to decreasing the effects of crime in our communities, increasing public safety, and ministering to and restoring both crime victims and offenders.

We achieve these goals by educating and informing the public at large, advocating cost-effective and practical reforms within the criminal justice system and by supporting and encouraging wise public policy.

 We also network with and support other criminal justice organizations and encourage church and community outreach efforts by working to increase knowledge and understanding of public policy issues.

 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Conduct forums throughout the state to educate the public on criminal justice issues, which have included the Commonwealth Forum on Criminal Justice Reform that lead to the implementation of the Commission to Study Wrongful Conviction in Pennsylvania
  • Promote alternative sentencing that treats root causes of crime and reduces the high cost of corrections
  • Compile research information through numerous reputable sources and study reports to make recommendations based on the facts
  • Appraise effective programs with proven results and promote statewide.
  • Meet with public officials on judicial and penal concerns and call for public hearings on subjects such as correctional methods using verified rehabilitation that has lead to reduced crime
  • Helped pass key progressive legislation such as changes to the judicial system to ascertain innocent people are not incarcerated, and incentives for inmates to receive treatment and demonstrate good behavior so they are less likely to reoffend upon release
  • Communicate justice issues on the websites, through legislative hearings and interactions, media and other avenues to motivate discussions, develop interactive outreach and help with grassroot efforts for support on statewide issues to provide solutions to crime
  • Network with trained aftercare providers to develop quality programs
  • Own and manage a transitional home in Reading called New Person Center that assists men coming out of jails and prison.
  • Promote job placement and mentoring which have been shown to reduce the repeat rate of crime and make tax contributors of ex-offenders as well as create redeemed lives for them and their families
  • Interview people in prison and conduct prison tours to ascertain the law and proper justice are being administered
  • Serve on a number of local and state committees to contribute on making key decisions for the future of criminal justice in Pennsylvania
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"What does the Lord require of us, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and walk humbly with God?" Micah 6:8
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