CLOSING RIKERS

Reducing the number of women in jail

Expanding pre-trial diversion could reduce the average daily jail population by 500 people. A new alternative to jail program called “Supervised Release” serves 3,300 people per year and has had a 92% success rate in defendants returning to courts since it was launched in March 2016. Beginning in spring 2017, the program now offers expanded support for people with behavioral health needs by including peers and additional masters-level clinical social workers.