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
Vera Institute of Justice
Government Administration
Brooklyn, New York 74,176 followers
Securing equal justice, ending mass incarceration, and strengthening families and communities. Founded 1961.
About us
We envision a society that respects the dignity of every single person. And we're working to realize it. We work with others who share our vision to tackle the most pressing injustices of our day - from the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the loss of public trust in law enforcement, to the unmet needs of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those harmed by crime and violence.
- Website
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http://www.vera.org
External link for Vera Institute of Justice
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 201-500 employees
- Headquarters
- Brooklyn, New York
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1961
- Specialties
- Research, Technical Assistance, Demonstration Projects, and Criminal Justice
Locations
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Primary
34 35th St
Suite 4-2A
Brooklyn, New York 11232, US
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1111 14th Street NE, Suite 920
Washington, DC 20005, US
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546 Carondelet, 3rd Floor
New Orleans, LA 70130, US
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634 S Spring Street,
#300A
Los Angeles, CA 90014, US
Employees at Vera Institute of Justice
Updates
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One year after incarcerated students regained Pell Grant eligibility, colleges and corrections agencies have made progress to expand access to higher education behind bars. More than 750,000 people in prison are eligible for postsecondary programs, and surveys show that more than 70% of them are interested in enrolling. While great strides have been made in the last year, the work to increase availability and student support services must continue: https://lnkd.in/eijuZwWd
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“To secure universal representation nationally, we must resource and build up legal infrastructure locally. The SHIELD Act will do just that.” — Shayna Kessler, director of Vera’s Advancing Universal Representation initiative #BreakingNews: This week, Rep. Robert Garcia introduced the “Securing Help for Immigrants through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act of 2024.” The SHIELD Act— companion legislation to the #FairnessToFreedomAct—will establish a grant program that will allow states and localities to support immigration legal services and support infrastructure to address the urgent need to secure fairness and due process in the outdated U.S. immigration system. We are grateful for Rep. Garcia’s leadership on the road to universal representation and look forward to working with him, fellow co-sponsors, Rep. Norma Torres and Rep. Delia Ramirez, and other members of Congress to promote due process for our communities. Our full statement: https://lnkd.in/eET6HW4A
Fairness to Freedom Campaign Leaders Support Introduction of the…
vera.org
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Since piloting in 2021, St. Petersburg, Florida’s Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) program has helped build trust among community members and gained popularity amongst police. More and more cities, like #StPetersburg and #Denver have implemented successful programs that reduce law enforcement involvement in non-criminal and non-violent instances. Alternative response options are essential to building public safety and benefit everyone, from community members in need of support to law enforcement. https://lnkd.in/eZXJrUie
Fla., Colo. cities see success with alternative 911 program
ems1.com
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The Senate has passed legislation that will bring transparency to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Bureau is riddled with systemic flaws that have allowed staff misconduct and in-custody deaths to persist for too long. Once President Bidens signs the bill into law, the Federal Prison Oversight Act will establish an independent office for the agency to investigate complaints. Transparency and accountability are crucial to building a more just criminal legal system. We applaud Senator Jon Ossoff for his leadership in this effort. Vera and our partners proudly provided expertise and data that shed light on the inhumane conditions of confinement across our country.
Congress OKs bill overhauling oversight of troubled federal Bureau of Prisons
apnews.com
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Prison is already hell and extreme heat, especially during summer months, is making it worse. In #Nevada, prison advocacy groups are raising justified concerns about rising temperatures inside facilities. Though corrections officials have said they are implementing measures to keep prison units under 85 degrees, incarcerated people, their loved ones, and advocacy groups have questioned if this is true due to multiple citations of temperatures feeling much higher and people resorting to alternative methods to stay cool. https://lnkd.in/ebCxj4Fe
Corrections officials say they are working to address heat concerns in prisons • Nevada Current
https://nevadacurrent.com
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“It’s been 30 years since college was consistently available in prison. We are at the cusp of a new era of opportunity. Building out quality higher education in prisons will take time but based on our findings, we’re on our way.” —Vera's Ruth Delaney Last year, incarcerated students regained eligibility for Pell Grants to fund their college education. Now, every state, the Bureau of Prisons, and Puerto Rico are ready to accept applications for new prison education programs. Learn more about the progress toward expanding education access and the work ahead: https://lnkd.in/epNjEV9b
Report: Postsecondary Education in Prison to Expand, Work Remains to Ensure Access, Quality, and Equity
diverseeducation.com
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Important decisions about the criminal legal system must be driven by data, not political rhetoric. While some key data is publicly available through state agencies, it is often difficult to decipher. Vera has taken New York State data on arrests, bail, pretrial release, jails, prisons, and parole and made it more accessible for policymakers, media, advocates, and the public. Explore Vera’s New York State Criminal Legal System data hub:
Arrests
vera.org
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"Long sentences and harsh punishment don't deliver safety or real accountability to survivors of crime. A more effective response is to support survivors with the services they need and facilitate repair and change among those who commit harm so that they can safely come home and be contributing members of our communities." —Marta Nelson, director of Vera’s Sentencing Reform initiative #NewJersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed an executive order that establishes a program to streamline the clemency application process. Pathways that support survivors and facilitate repair—this initiative—provide people unjustly trapped in the criminal legal system with second chances. https://lnkd.in/ewQCtVMd
N.J. changes clemency program with intent of streamlining process for certain offenders
phillyvoice.com
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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:
The Truth about Retail Theft
vera.org