The United States has over two million people in prisons and jails—more than any other country.
An even more troubling figure is that four out of every 10 ex-offenders return to jail within three years of release.
Some observers believe faith-based initiatives with prisoner, families and communities can help bring these figures down. It’s part of a new approach to reforming our penal and court system that experts call “smart justice.”
But can faith communities really make a difference? And are they worth encouraging with more taxpayer support?
This month's “Criminal Justice Matters” show on CUNY-TV (New York), hosted by Steve Handelman, executive editor of The Crime Report, and director of the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at John Jay College, takes a close look at the question.
Guests on this month's show are: Angel Ramos, who was formerly incarcerated and is now a John Jay student. He is an active Quaker and found redemption in the silent worship services held by Quakers in his prison experience.
And, Prof. Kimora, an ordained minister who teaches corrections and ethics at John Jay and is the Educational Director for Treatment and Prevention in Services at the Osborne Association in the Bronx.
This month's show will be repeated t the following times on CUNY Channel 75: Saturday, November 10 – 8:00pm; Sunday, November 11 – 10:00am
To watch the show on YouTube please click HERE.