The dignity of the human being and the common good of society call us to eliminate all forms of violence, and to foster true justice within the criminal justice system. We support policies to secure public safety and foster restoration rather than retribution.

Foster Restorative Justice

Modify the sentencing provisions of the Rockefeller Drug Laws

New York State'ss drug sentencing laws must be further modified to permit greater judicial discretion in considering the circumstances and disposition of drug offenses. We further seek increased state resources dedicated for alternative sentencing treatment and addiction treatment programs in prison and in our communities. more

Ensure human conditions of prison confinement and appropriate access to worship and ministerial services

The Catholic Conference seeks to ensure that disciplinary options within the correctional system be designed in a way that respects the dignity of the human person, guarantees access to religious counsel and worship and ensures no further harm will come to the disciplined individual. more

Increase funding for alternatives to incarceration and treatment

Many of those incarcerated in New York State prisons are afflicted with mental health or addiction problems. These individuals, and the greater society, would be best served by offering lower-cost alternatives to incarceration to address the problems that are at the root of their criminal activity. more

Increase funding for educational and vocational programs for the incarcerated and transitional services for ex-offenders

Community reintegration programs for ex-offenders should be established. Programs might include but are not limited to select counties establishing resource centers, faith-based communities recruiting volunteer mentors and, if possible, providing a halfway house, and the inclusion of returning ex-offender in parish social ministry programs more

Support the compassionate release of elderly and/or sick prisoners

The Catholic Conference supports the compassionate release of elderly and sick prisoners who no longer represent a threat to public safety. The state must also ensure post-release support, including housing, health care and transitional services. more

Enhance the use of merit time as an earned rehabilitation incentive for early release of inmates

Merit time represents a concrete incentive to encourage prisoners to undertake long and difficult rehabilitation programs. Participation in meaningful programs ultimately increases public safety and could reduce unnecessary prison cost for inmates who have earned early release by demonstrated rehabilitation. The Conference supports an expanded use of merit time to include a greater number of inmates and a greater incentive for completion of specific rehabilitative accomplishments. more