Criminal Justice ReforM
I will do everything in my power to end mass incarceration and the unequal treatment of people of more color in our criminal justice system. We’ve already taken large steps towards this reality as a City by pursuing bail reform, the responsible closure of Rikers, among others. I was also proud to sponsor the Community Safety Act, which helped end the abuse of NYPD’s stop, question & frisk policy, and created the NYPD’s office of Inspector General. We must also remember that the best way to end recidivism is a job. My Fair Chance Act law barred employers asking about a criminal record on employment applications, removing a large barrier to the formerly convicted from re-entering society. I have also been a leader in the fight to increase funding for summer youth employment programs, doubling the available SYEP slots, and will continue this effort as Public Advocate.