Georgia continues to gain national recognition for criminal justice reform.
Gov. Nathan Deal joined Gov. Mary Fallin (R-OK) and Gov. Matt Bevin (R-KY) Tuesday in a panel discussion on criminal justice reform in Cleveland.
“Crime in many parts of the country, including Georgia, is generational,” said Deal, during the event that was hosted by the U.S. Justice Action Network. “If you break the cycle and show individuals that there is a different way, then you not only save money and lives in the short term, but you also create generational changes. If you can show these offenders that success after incarceration is possible, it will help keep them from becoming repeat offenders.”
The event featured the three states — Georgia, Kentucky and Oklahoma — in a short film, “Changing Laws, Changing Lives.” Each of the three states passed significant criminal justice reforms in 2016.
In Georgia, Deal initiated a step-by-step approach to address Georgia’s criminal justice system beginning in 2011, and adding new reforms each year. This year, Deal signed SB 367, legislation that provides comprehensive reforms for offenders entering, proceeding through and leaving the criminal justice system. The provisions of the legislation are based on recommendations from the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform and build upon Deal’s previous criminal justice reform initiatives. One of Deal’s reforms also includes major provisions for juveniles transitioning back in the public school system.
Key areas of focus in Deal’s reforms include:
- 2012—Accountability court expansion
- 2013—Juvenile justice reform
- 2014—Prisoner reentry initiatives
- 2015—Creation of the Department of Community Supervision
