Vera Institute of Justice

Vera has been working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems for more than 60 years—and we won't stop until they’re fair for all. Because mass incarceration is wrong. Because immigration is under attack. Because poverty is not a crime. Because justice is for all. Because dignity is worth fighting for. Because we are Vera. Together, we can end mass incarceration. Join our movement: https://lnkd.in/eMtNC9pe #WeAreVera

Creating harsher penalties as a “deterrent” does not reduce crime. Addressing retail theft does not demand spikes in policing and prosecution, but rather requires investment in economic justice, retail workers, and regulation of online retailers. Here’s why:

To effectively implement the transformative “care first, jails last” vision and meet the demand for community-based pretrial services, #California urgently needs nimble solutions to fund service providers across the board. Over four years ago, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a vision and framework for safety grounded in support as alternatives to incarceration. But currently, funding is a major barrier to quality care as service providers with government contracts often face months-long delays in reimbursement.

Defending the rights of immigrants, people seeking asylum, incarcerated people, and everyone facing deportation IS patriotic. On this #IndependenceDay, we reflect on what America stands for and recommit to the fight for progress. No one should have to face physical exile from home and separation from family and community. As we celebrate America’s history today, we cannot forget that the concept of freedom, in this country, is limited. To realize the dream of a brighter future for the #UnitedStates, we must continue the work to advance fairness and dignity for all. https://lnkd.in/eaAAQRWe

Misinformation and sensationalized news coverage have created a panic around retail theft and a push for harsher penalties. Here’s why lawmakers shouldn’t let this corporate-driven panic shape policy responses:

“Research shows that higher education reduces recidivism and opens opportunities for better-paying jobs, making college in prison a ‘no brainer’ that changes lives, saves taxpayer money and creates better neighbors for those returning to our communities.” CA Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation superintendent Shannon Swain shares the transformative impact of expanding access to higher education in California prisons: https://lnkd.in/eXCbEfTu

Retail theft is frequently a crime of poverty committed by people who need basic goods—such as hygiene products, food, or baby formula. If legislators are serious about addressing shoplifting, economic justice is the place to start. Connecting people to stable housing, employment, and treatment services could make an effective approach to driving down shoplifting in the long term.

“We might be working with incarcerated people, constrained by the metal detectors, electrified fences, and gun towers of a prison, but those considerations recede in our classrooms, where we center our primary identities as students and educators.” Last month, 23 students earned bachelor’s degrees in sociology as part of the University of California Irvine’s LIFTED program’s first cohort. Leaders from the program share their reflections on the impact of college in prison: https://lnkd.in/ej_QnQgA

From California to New York, retailers and lawmakers are taking steps to implement tighter security measures to combat retail theft. These steps do not effectively address the issue and sensationalized theft to the point where it is driving panic. This only fuels a perception of lawlessness, when in reality shoplifting was lower in 2023 than previous years. Instead of harsher punishments, we need a balanced approach to retail theft: one that accounts for the root causes and the welfare of communities and invests in retail workers, economic justice, and people’s financial stability. https://lnkd.in/eRgS7up2

Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Grants Pass v. Johnson reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of homelessness and how to solve it. With its ruling, the court has effectively criminalized people who are unhoused. Instead of criminalizing people experiencing homelessness, we need: ❗Civilian-staffed and community-centered responses, services, and infrastructure ❗A well trained and resourced public safety workforce ❗Commitment to a Housing First statement ❗ Investment in affordable housing “If we as a society are serious about reducing the number of people who are unhoused, we need to move past the criminalization of survival activities and focus on proven, effective solutions that will create stronger and safer communities.” —Daniela Gilbert, director of Vera’s Redefining Public Safety initiative Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/eJZKWd7E #SCOTUS