For several years, the Citizens Crime Commission has been calling attention to the need for a comprehensive approach to fighting juvenile crime--going beyond just policing. There are few areas of the criminal justice system that more urgently need attention in order to both consolidate the tremendous gains we have made against crime and to reduce crime in the future. There are many officials and organizations working effectively on juvenile justice reform and we applaud those efforts. We must continue this focus.
Last Tuesday, New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman delivered an important speech to the Crime Commission about the crucial role of the court system in the state's juvenile justice reform efforts. During his remarks, Chief Judge Lippman noted the Commission's call for home- and community-based interventions and governmental "silo-busting" to achieve coordinated and comprehensive strategies that deter juvenile crime.
In his address, Chief Judge Lippman announced three concrete steps the court system will be taking to further the efforts to reduce juvenile crime:
1. The introduction of a legislative proposal to enable the Judiciary to assume statewide oversight of juvenile probation;
2. A new pilot program in Queens that will provide mentally-ill young people with treatment in the community as an alternative to incarceration; and
3. A plan for a Community Court in Brownsville, Brooklyn to address juvenile crime and expand services for young offenders.
These are important steps in support of a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to fight juvenile crime. If you would like to read Chief Judge Lippman's remarks, they are available at our website .
Richard Aborn
To learn more about the Crime Commission and to view pictures from the event visit our website at www.nycrimecommission.org .