This past week, Right on Crime had the honor to attend the National Conference for State Legislators (NCSL) in Boston, Massachusetts. Every summer, thousands of legislators and staff come together for NCSL, which features more than 100 sessions and presentations from nationally renowned experts on the most critical state issues. Marc Levin, our Director at Right on Crime, presented on the conservative case for pre-trial justice and a national overview.

The presentation focused on how United States is one of the world’s global leader of incarceration, and since 1970 the national pretrial incarceration rate has tripled and costs have soared to $13.6 billion per year. Marc’s presentation, titled: Right-Sizing America’s Jail Population and Protecting Public Safety, articulated how conservative solutions are within reach. Risk assessments in pretrial diversion have proven to work. Other solutions such as police diversion programs have also shown success in areas like Seattle and Miami. Rapid provision of quality counsel as well as revamping fines and fees are also viable solutions for America’s growing jail population.

Additionally, Right on Crime was able to meet with several of Florida Legislators and conservative colleagues to discuss upcoming criminal justice reform initiatives for the 2018 Florida Legislative Session. NCSL provided the perfect landscape to connect with other counterparts as well as business leaders from across the country!

As always it’s a pleasure to see conservative champions from Florida: Senator Jeff Brandes, Senator Dana Young, Representative Jamie Grant, Representative Jason Fischer, Representative Byron Donalds, and Representative Amber Mariano!