Major Focus of 2011:
Ban the Box- job discrimination for those with felony convictions. DARE has written and introduced legislation; we continue to grow our coalition.
Limit Probation Violations to Time Remaining on Probation- Currently, someone can be sentenced to their whole suspended time on the very last day of probation. DARE wrote and introduced this legislation in 2006; we pulled it off the table to focus on another bill (which we won in 2010). We are back!
Give Good Time Credit to People On Probation and Parole- This will vastly reduce technical violations, as they can instead be punished by Loss of Good Time; and reward those "doing the right thing"- while reducing the state's costs of oversight. Like the prior two bills, this was written by former prisoners themselves. We find legislators who will sponsor, and we rally/lobby/educate our way to victory!
Implement a Process to Reduce Racial Profiling- Nearly a decade ago, a study was conducted that showed clear racial profiling in traffic stops. One key provision is to videotape all traffic stops.
Stop Shackling Pregnant Prisoners- Vans roll over; no seat belts, and women go to OBGYN visits in full shackles. The coalition includes medical and women's groups.
Force a private prison into bankruptcy. The Wyatt Detention Facility is in tough times- and is hoping an uneducated people will let the State take over the prison (thinking it is a revenue producer). Then walks in DARE to expose the truth!
For more information, contact Bruce Reilly (or a member of Behind the Walls prison committee (401) 351-6960
Get busy with using radio, video, web, and communication stategies in your community to work for racial and social justice in our criminal justice system and communities.
Learn More »Alright. We love this update and are going to hit our social network with it. Peace to DARE.
Video posted by AdvoCare on 3 Aug 10
Audio posted by Kites Team on 29 Jun 10