WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, convened a briefing Wednesday for members of Congress and their staff on the Justice Reinvestment Initiative’s impact in Delaware and Kentucky. The event, “Justice Reinvestment Initiative – How States are Using Data to Get Smart on Crime,” featured speakers from the law enforcement community, including Drew Fennell, the executive director of the Criminal Justice Council of Delaware, and Col. Thomas MacLeish, director of the Delaware Statistical Analysis Center and former superintendent of the Delaware State Police.

Discussion at the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus briefing was focused on how the Justice Reinvestment Initiative program is making the public safer, holding offenders accountable, and controlling corrections costs by supporting states and localities with collecting and analyzing data on all aspects of the criminal justice system.

“The continually evolving nature of crimes that occur in our communities require our law enforcement agencies to seek out the best practices and policies for crime prevention,” Senator Coons said. “Delaware is a leader in passing a criminal justice reform bill through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, which strengthen our state’s law enforcement community. I thank today’s speakers for coming together to share their experiences with the Justice Reinvestment Initiative program. I look forward to continuing work with stakeholders to improve our federal and state criminal justice systems.”

“The people of Delaware deserve a criminal justice systems that invests tax dollars wisely and enhances public safety,” Drew Fennell said. “Through the Justice Reinvestment Initiative we can build safer communities. Our state is grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Vera Institute.”

“I have been a part of the criminal justice system for most of my life and have the opportunity to work with some very good, conscientious, hardworking people,” Col. Thomas MacLeish said. “The Justice Reinvestment Initiative process will afford the criminal justice community the opportunity to examine what we do and identify areas that we can improve upon, enabling us to better serve those involved in the system and provide greater opportunities for success.”

In addition to Senator Coons, Drew Fennell and Col. Thomas MacLeish, attendees heard from Alison Shames, associate director of the Center on Sentencing and Corrections at the Vera Institute for Justice, and Kentucky State Representative John Tilley.

Created by Congress in 2010, the Justice Reinvestment Initiative was designed to reduce costs and address recidivism.  It is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice in coordination with justice reinvestment and related efforts supported by independent organizations such as the Pew Center on the States.

The Senate Law Enforcement Caucus educates and informs members and staff about the policies, programs, and initiatives that enhance public safety and strengthen our criminal justice system. In the midst of shrinking budgets, law enforcement agencies all across the country continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities and families safe. 

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