TCJC In The News: 2014

  

January 15, 2014: “Jorge Renaud shares poetry with homeless”

This Time Warner Cable News [Austin] article features TCJC Policy Analyst Jorge Renaud, who was previously incarcerated for 27 years, and who writes and shares poetry with homeless men and women at the Salvation Army shelter in Austin. Mr. Renaud cites the feeling of acceptance he receives from sharing his poetry, and hopes to give others such sense of belonging.

Note: This article was part of the Giving Back series, which recognizes unsung heroes in the Austin community who dedicate their spare time to helping and improving the way of life for others.

To view this article [accompanied by video], please visit: http://austin.twcnews.com/content/news/giving_back/297009/jorge-renaud-shares-poetry-with-homeless/.

January 24, 2014: “Texas Gov. Perry shocks some with comments on marijuana”

This USA Today article discusses Texas Governor Rick Perry’s statement in favor of decriminalizing minor marijuana possession, pointing to the rights of states to regulate criminal justice (and other) issues. He cites his past support of drug courts as evidence that Texas has taken smarter approaches to drug crimes. Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa notes her surprise at the announcement, while also crediting Perry for evolving on this issue, including by supporting shorter probation terms and drug courts for low-level offenses.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/23/perry-marijuana-davos/4803929/.

A sample of similar articles on this topic can be viewed below:

Austin Chronicle, “Texas Governor to Decriminalize Pot!” [January 24, 2014]: http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2014-01-24/texas-governor-to-decriminalize-pot/

Ana Yáñez-Correa, executive director of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, agrees that while Texas has a long way to go to be truly smart on crime, Perry’s newest proclamations have at least symbolic impact. “They’re symbolic of where Texas is going – and where we’re going nationally,” she said. “I don’t see one state proud to say ‘we lock up non-violent offenders.’ I don’t see even one state saying that.”

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The Christian Post, “Texas Gov. Rick Perry Shocks Justice Advocate with Support for Decriminalizing Marijuana; Says He Doesn’t Support Legalization” [January 24, 2014]: http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-gov-rick-perry-shocks-justice-advocate-with-support-for-decriminalizing-marijuana-says-he-doesnt-support-legalization-113356/

“I am shocked,” Ana Yañez-Correa, executive director of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition said of Perry’s announcement. She said back in 2007 Perry killed a drug treatment bill her organization had supported. She also highlighted that more than 15,000 people are imprisoned in Texas for drug possession. “I am very happy to hear the governor supports a more rehabilitative approach,” she said.

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KTSA News [San Antonio], “Perry Pot Talk Creates Stir” [January 24, 2014]: http://www.ktsa.com/Perry-Pot-Talk-Creates-Stir/18242290

“Both Republicans and Democrats are talking about this issue–unlike any other issue. I’m not just talking about marijuana, I’m talking about drug treatment in general, I’m talking about reforming the way the criminal justice system is,” Yanez-Correa told 550 KTSA News.

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MSNBC, “An evolving conversation on drug policy” [January 25, 2014]: http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/evolving-conversation-drug-policy

Ana Yañez-Correa, director of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, said she was “shocked” by the governor’s comments, adding, “The decriminalization of marijuana is not something Perry has historically supported.”

January 30, 2014: “Should Texas death row inmates have more privileges?”

This Austin American-Statesman article examines a push to allow certain death row inmates to be permitted out of solitary confinement more often than one hour per day, citing medical and mental health concerns, as well as staff safety. Though other states have been examining alternatives, TDCJ spokespeople claim the likelihood of a policy change is low. The article also points to groups, like TCJC, that are advocating for increased contact visits among inmates and their family members (though TCJC has not specified that contact visitation should be increased specifically or solely for death row inmates).

To view this article, please visit: http://www.correctionsone.com/treatment/articles/6783629-Should-Texas-death-row-inmates-have-more-privileges/.\

February 9, 2014: “It’s Time for a Sobriety Center in Travis County”

This Burnt Orange Report article discusses efforts by Travis County judicial candidate Andy Brown to learn more about Texas’ existing sobriety centers, where law enforcement officers can take people with public intoxication offenses (and, frequently, homelessness and mental health issues) rather than booking them into jail; the centers also offer referrals to counseling and recovery services. Mr. Brown conducted site visits of two facilities in San Antonio and Houston, for possible replication in Austin; Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa, among others, accompanied him during the visits, seeing firsthand the benefits of diversion from more costly incarceration.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/14786/its-time-for-a-sobriety-center-in-travis-county.

February 12, 2014: “TEA chief asked to halt use of police stun guns at schools”

This Houston Chronicle article discusses the efforts of 7 juvenile justice advocate groups (including TCJC) to prohibit Tasers, pepper spray, and other use of force against public school students by school law enforcement. Already, advocates approached the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for assistance in changing regulations pertaining to school law enforcement, but the Commission denied the authority to make the changes and ban Tasers. Now, they are seeking assistance from the Texas Education Agency – but again, the Agency claims not to have the authority to make changes, pointing instead to locally elected school district trustees. Note: Houston ISD, the largest school district in Texas, does not allow its officers to carry Tasers.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Civil-rights-groups-urge-Texas-schools-to-ban-5230157.php?cmpid=htx.

A sample of similar articles on this topic can be viewed below:

KHOU [Houston], “ACLU urges ban on use of tasers, pepper spray in Texas schools” [February 13, 2014]: http://www.khou.com/news/local/ACLU-urges-ban-on-use-of-tasers-pepper-spray-in-Texas-schools-245463791.html

KTRH [Houston AM], “No More Tasers in Texas Schools” [February 17, 2013]: http://www.ktrh.com/articles/houston-news-121300/no-more-tasers-in-texas-schools-12071327/

March 3, 2014: “Poll: 77 Percent of Texans Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana”

This IVN [Independent Voter Network] article discusses the shift in attitude among Texans on marijuana possession penalties and potential legalization. Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa emphasizes the need for decriminalization, pointing to high costs to taxpayers and law enforcement associated with arresting people for marijuana. She also recommends medical marijuana for eligible individuals.

To view this article, please visit: http://ivn.us/2014/03/03/poll-77-percent-texans-support-legalizing-medical-marijuana/.

A similar article on this topic can be viewed below:

Hemp News, “Texas: 77% Support Medical Marijuana; 49% Support Legalization”: http://www.hemp.org/news/category/cannabis/texas-criminal-justice-coalition

March 11, 2014: “Why Fewer Prisons Are Good for Texas’s Economy”

This Texas Monthly article features a long interview with Marc Levin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice, during which Mr. Levin examines the fiscal conservative rationale for closing prisons. He points to more cost-effective approaches to criminal justice, including the use of diversions and probation over a term of incarceration for nonviolent offenses – a message typically carried by those on the left. The article cites TCJC and the ACLU of Texas as partners who have helped shift the dialogue on needed criminal justice reforms to address an historical over-reliance on incarceration; TCJC is also mentioned as an early advocate of reform to the juvenile system.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/why-fewer-prisons-are-good-texas%E2%80%99s-economy.

March 19, 2014: “Interim Juvenile Justice Department Leader Named”

This Texas Tribune article discusses the retirement announcement by the current Director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, Mike Griffiths, after two years of helming the Department following its transition to a hybrid corrections-probation agency. While advocates were surprised by the announcement, many focused on his successes and expressed hope that the agency would continue along the path that Mr. Griffiths established, with fewer youth assaults and better employment conditions. Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa commended his collaborative spirit, though noted the need for further reform, as well as administrative stability that will be critical to protecting youths’ rights and well being.

An update to the article notes the appointment of an Interim Director, Linda Brooke (previous Departmental chief of staff), who Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa claims was a natural choice to temporarily take directorship.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.texastribune.org/2014/03/19/juvenile-justice-department-leader-resigns/.

March 24, 2014: “New Ruling Could Impact Juvenile Life Sentences”

This Huffington Post video features a panel discussion among juvenile justice experts on a recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling, which found that state prison inmates serving life without parole for murders they committed as juveniles will receive new sentencing hearings. TCJC Policy Attorney Elizabeth Henneke discusses the background and impact of the Miller v. Alabama decision, which held that automatically sentencing minors to life without the possibility of parole violates the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment for youth under 18, as well as other litigation and issues around youth arrest, sentencing, parole eligibility, and victim needs.

To view this video, please visit: http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/illinois-supreme-court-ruling-on-juvenile-life-sentences/532b51e8fe3444465b0006c4.

April 3, 2014: “Lawmakers seek to raise age of juveniles charged as adults”

This Fox News [Lubbock] article examines a state legislative study on whether 17-year-olds should continue to be charged as adults in Texas and confined in adult corrections facilities, or whether the age should increase to 18. Proponents of raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction, including Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa, point to the critical rehabilitative setting in youth facilities, the dangers facing youth in the adult system, and the high costs to counties struggling to comply with PREA’s requirements to keep youth separate from adults in local jails. Counter-arguments include the high costs of detaining youth in juvenile (vs. adult) facilities, in part due to the treatment expenses, which could over-burden the juvenile system should it see an influx of 17-year-olds.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.myfoxlubbock.com/news/local/story/Lawmakers-seek-to-raise-age-of-juveniles-charged/7p-ZjquE-k-sTksBeHGIeA.cspx.

April 14, 2014: “Despite Changes, Driver Surcharge Program Faces Opposition”

This Texas Tribune article examines the state’s failed Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), under which drivers are levied a surcharge for certain driving-related offenses; failure to pay results in license suspension and potential jail time. While the intention behind the program – to offset costs at Texas trauma hospitals through surcharges collection – is laudable, policy-makers, judges, probation practitioners, and advocates (including TCJC) oppose the DRP for its heavy burden on Texas drivers. Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa is especially concerned about the impact on poor drivers, recommending the need for alternate sources of funding to support trauma hospitals. An update to the article discusses a legislative hearing on ways to improve the DRP, with policy-makers acknowledging it will likely not be abolished in the 2015 state legislative session, over the objection of various hearing witnesses.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.texastribune.org/2014/04/14/driver-responsibility-program-still-problematic/.

April 16, 2014: “The Source: Is The Surcharge Intended To Reduce Bad Driving Failing?”

This Texas Public Radio article introduces a streaming interview about the state’s broken Driver Responsibility Program, which is opposed by various advocates and policy-makers for its heavy burden on Texas drivers and failure to improve public safety. The interview features Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa, Scott Henson (Grits for Breakfast author and occasional TCJC Policy Consultant), and John Hawkins from the Texas Hospital Association (a proponent of the program); they more fully discuss the impact of the program (including low collection rates, resulting in 2 million drivers who have lost licenses from failure to pay assessed surcharges, and an ultimate deprivation of liberty), and reveal that money is often pulled from surcharge collection to offset state budget gaps, rather than go towards trauma hospitals.

To view this article [accompanied by an audio stream], please visit: http://tpr.org/post/source-surcharge-intended-reduce-bad-driving-failing.

April 22, 2014: “Advocates Urge More Resources for Art Therapy in Prison”

This Texas Tribune article highlights an art exhibit co-sponsored by TCJC and the City of Austin and featuring the work of currently incarcerated women in Texas. It examines the rehabilitative benefits of art therapy behind bars, especially important for the many women who have suffered trauma. The article cites a TCJC survey of incarcerated women – pointing to a past history of abuse, trauma, addiction, and/or mental health among many survey respondents – and includes advocates’ recommendation for greater investments in in-prison therapeutic programming, especially for the 12,000 women incarcerated in Texas state facilities.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.texastribune.org/2014/04/22/survey-shows-half-imprisoned-women-were-abused/.

This article is also available at the following link:

http://amarillo.com/news/latest-news/2014-04-22/should-lawmakers-find-more-money-art-therapy-prison. [Amarillo Globe News]

April 28, 2014: “Coalition aims to broaden access to housing for ex-offenders”

This KHOU [Houston] article emphasizes the importance of housing during the reentry transition from incarceration, pointing to a home and a job as critical in reducing the likelihood of re-offending. In 2013, in large part because of this public safety interest, Texas’ Legislature passed a bill to limit the liability of employers who choose to hire people with a criminal record; now, the Legislature is considering extending the same protections to landlords who choose to rent to such individuals. Sarah Pahl, a TCJC Policy Attorney, points out that, without housing, criminal activity may look attractive – it can provide the money to afford food and shelter.

To view this article [accompanied by video], please visit: http://www.khou.com/news/texas-news?fId=257074151&fPath=/news/local/&fDomain=10232.

This article is also available at the following link:

http://www.kvue.com/news/Coalition-aims-to-broaden-access-to-housing-for-ex-offenders-257074151.html. [KVUE Austin]

April 29, 2014: “KSAT Defenders: Majority of restitution unpaid in Bexar County”

This KSAT [San Antonio] article examines how only a small percentage of restitution is paid to victims in Bexar County by people convicted of crimes. While some victims would like offending individuals to be re-incarcerated for failing to pay the money owed, that ultimately precludes them from finding stable employment and making payments. Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa emphasizes the need to reduce reentry barriers to give more returning individuals access to employment, allowing them to live responsibly and provide restitution for victims.

To view this article [accompanied by video], please visit: http://www.ksat.com/news/defenders/defenders-majority-of-restitution-unpaid-in-bexar-county/25711650.

May 5, 2015: “Jails could run into problems with federal standards, expert warns”

This San Angelo Standard-Times article examines Texas’ refusal to comply with federal PREA standards, which require adult and juvenile lock-ups to take various measures to prevent sexual assault or misbehavior, including separating youth from adults when both housed in one facility. Elizabeth Henneke, a TCJC Policy Attorney, testified before Texas’ House County Affairs Committee, emphasizing that the state faces costly litigation and will lose federal funding for failing to comply. One TCJC policy recommendation is raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction from 17 to 18 years, which will reduce pressure on local facilities struggling to separate 17-year-olds from adult inmates.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2014/may/05/jails-could-run-into-problems-with-federal-warns/.

June 4, 2014: “Literacy Highland Lakes receives criminal justice volunteer award”

This River Cities Daily Tribune article discusses the efforts by Central Texas literacy volunteers to tutor incarcerated women in preparation for their GED tests – especially critical given budget cuts at the Windham School District, which provides education and vocational training to eligible inmates. The article cites data from TCJC showing that the average Texas inmate has a 5th grade education, contributing to higher rates of re-offending upon release. The literacy volunteers are helping to close gaps in educational programming for women in substance abuse facilities seeking to better themselves.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.dailytrib.com/2014/06/04/literacy-highland-lakes-receives-criminal-justice-volunteer-award/.

June 6, 2014: “Halfway Houses Meet Fraction of Demand for Former Inmates”

This New York Times article examines the challenges of finding housing after release from incarceration. In Texas, approximately 72,000 individuals are released from corrections facilities each year, many of whom cannot afford the fees for transitional housing – if they are even able to access one of the 1,800 subsidized beds or higher-cost private beds. The lack of stable housing opportunities in turn increases the likelihood of offending. TCJC Policy Analyst Jorge Renaud cautions about the comparatively low number of housing options for the significant number of men and women reentering the community and in need of transitional housing.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/06/us/halfway-houses-meet-fraction-of-demand-for-former-inmates.html.

June 8, 2014: “Uniting over goal to decriminalize marijuana”

This Austin American-Statesman op-ed, authored by Terri Burke (Executive Director of the ACLU of Texas), examines Texas’ “smart on crime” movement to offer sentencing alternatives and rehabilitative assistance to individuals outside the prison system, with champions including the ACLU of Texas, TCJC, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Business, as well as policy-makers on both the left and right. Next, argues Ms. Burke, must be decriminalization of marijuana, through use of a civil fine; currently, even simple possession of the drug can lead to lengthy jail terms that cause people to lose jobs and/or homes, with disproportionate arrests devastating communities of color. De-prioritization of marijuana-related arrests will free up critical law enforcement resources and time to focus on higher-level offenses that truly threaten communities.

To view this op-ed, please visit: www.statesman.com/news/news/opinion/uniting-over-goal-to-decriminalize-marijuana/ngFYF/.

June 9, 2014: “It’s time to reform Texas’ drug laws”

This TribTalk op-ed, authored by Dr. By Ana Yáñez-Correa, argues in favor of two drug-related reforms: (1) decriminalizing marijuana by one offense level, making possession of small quantities a fine-only, Class C misdemeanor instead of a jailable Class B misdemeanor; this would free up law enforcement time to pursue higher-level crimes, while eliminating counties’ responsibility for paying indigent defense and incarceration expenses for jailable offenses. And (2) reducing penalties for state jail felony drug offenses by one offense level to Class A misdemeanors, which would reduce state spending on incarceration and allow for saved dollars to be reinvested in county programs to address substance abuse. Dr. Yáñez-Correa’s recommendations mirror those of Republican judges in Houston, the state’s largest county and the greatest contributor to costly state-level incarceration.

To view this op-ed, please visit: http://tribtalk.org/2014/06/09/its-time-to-reform-texas-drug-laws/.

August 5, 2014: “Critics of traffic surcharge get little traction”

This Dallas Morning News article discusses a legislative interim hearing to get input on draft legislation intended to reduce the burden of the state’s Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), through which fees collected on traffic tickets help offset expenses at trauma hospitals. While many (including advocates, criminal justice practitioners, and drivers) oppose the DRP and seek its abolishment, citing confusion and clogged court dockets, the money collected under the program (approximately $170 million per year) has kept it alive. TCJC Policy Consultant Scott Henson provided oral testimony on TCJC’s behalf during the hearing, arguing that the draft bill language does not go far enough to address the failed DRP. However, rather than abolishment, the Committee Chair is seeking to implement reduced fees over shorter time periods. TCJC Policy Consultant Scott Henson spoke to the program generally, finding it to be a catastrophe that should be abolished; simple tweaks to the program will not be adequate.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20140805-critics-of-traffic-surcharge-get-little-traction.ece.

August 6, 2014: “Legislature Considering Changes To Texas Driver Responsibility Program”

This Texas Public Radio article also discusses the legislative interim hearing on the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), raising another concern with the program: a potentially poor interface between the Department of Public Safety (which assesses the DRP fees), the Municipal Service Bureau (a private contractor by which drivers are notified of their fees), and local law enforcement. Oftentimes, drivers are confused about required payments and deadlines.

To view this article, please visit: http://tpr.org/post/legislature-considering-changes-texas-driver-responsibility-program.

September 15, 2014: “Texas Schools Get Military Gear Through Federal Program”

This Texas Tribune article discusses a letter – spearheaded by Texas Appleseed and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and signed by 22 state and national organizations (including TCJC) – to the Department of Defense, urging it to end the transfer of military equipment (e.g., firearms and armored vehicles) to Texas school districts under the 1033 Program. At least 10 Texas school districts are participating in the program, but militarization threatens the already strained relationship between students and school police, especially with youth of color or with disabilities, and it opens the door to misuse or harm.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/15/texas-schools-get-military-gear-through-federal-pr/.

This article is also available at the following links:

http://lubbockonline.com/texas/2014-09-16/texas-schools-get-military-gear-fed-program#.VCSexedhA5J [Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]

http://ketr.org/post/texas-schools-get-military-gear-through-federal-program [KETR Texas A&M University-Commerce]

September 30, 2014: “Harris County jail conditions being probed”

This Houston Chronicle article reveals an incident at the Harris County Jail, in which a probationer with mental health issues, jailed on a marijuana charge, was left in his cell for weeks without being let out. After the Sheriff was notified, he launched an internal investigation and is conducting other efforts to ensure such an occurrence never happens again. Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa expressed disappointment about the incident and noted that many people in county jails have not yet been convicted of a crime, making it especially imperative to provide safe, healthy living conditions. Dr. Yáñez-Correa also advocated for greater funding for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which monitors county jails for compliance with state and federal standards.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Harris-County-jail-conditions-being-probed-5792574.php.

October 10, 2014: “A Year After a Teen was Tased, Will Texas Protect Students?”

This New America Media article revisits the story of 17-year-old Noe Niño de Rivera, who was put into a medically induced coma for 52 days after being unjustifiably Tased by school law enforcement officers. A federal lawsuit was filed against the officer, the county, and the school district; and civil rights organizations – as well as groups like TCJC – asked state leadership to ban the use of Tasers and pepper spray in public schools. To date, the response has been that this issue is a matter of local control; as such, nothing has changed.

To view this article, please visit: www.newamericamedia.org/2014/10/a-year-after-a-teen-was-tased-will-texas-protect-students.php

October 16, 2014: “A Dallas Company Finds Profit in Video-Only Jail Visitations”

This Texas Observer article discusses the growing trend among local jails to restrict visitation to remote video calls, given monetary provisions in contracts with video provider companies that incentivize the total elimination of face-to-face visitation. Critics – including inmates, families, and attorneys – point to the high costs of video visitation, the resulting exploitation of visitors, and the potential privacy violations. The article goes on to cite a new report co-authored by TCJC and Grassroots Leadership, which examines how conditions at the Travis County jail worsened in the year following the implementation of a video-only visitation policy, with incidents of violence, disciplinary infractions, and reported contraband increasing; it also strongly recommends the continuation of in-person visitation to boost family ties and reduce later instances of reoffending.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.texasobserver.org/a-dallas-company-finds-profit-in-video-only-jail-visitations/.

A sample of similar articles on this topic can be viewed below:

Austin American-Statesman, “Advocates want Travis County to bring back face-to-face jail visits,” [October 16, 2014]:http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/advocates-want-travis-county-to-bring-back-face-to/nhkWR/

“Members of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition and Grassroots Leadership have released a study pointing to an overall increase in disciplinary infractions, assaults and contraband [in the Travis County Jail] between May 2012 and April 2014. […] The elimination of in-person visits was not clear when [Travis County] commissioners approved the contract in October 2012, and most were under the impression that it was to supplement — not replace — the old model.”

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Austin American-Statesman [behind a paywall], “Advocates want return of face-to-face Travis County jail visits,” [October 16, 2014]: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/advocates-want-return-of-face-to-face-travis-count/nhksd/

“Members of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition and Grassroots Leadership released a study on statistics obtained from the sheriff’s office, which they said indicated disciplinary infractions, assaults and contraband had increased in the year since a video-only visitation policy has been in place. That policy might not be linked to the increase in violence, Jorge Renaud, a policy analyst with the coalition, told reporters. “But you surely cannot link it to a decrease,” he said. “And that was their assumption — that the jails were going to be safer because of this, and they are not safer.”

Same article: CorrectionsOne.com, “Advocates want return of face-to-face Texas jail visits,” [October 18, 2014]: http://www.correctionsone.com/products/facility-products/inmate-visitation/articles/7685109-Advocates-want-return-of-face-to-face-Texas-jail-visits/

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KENS 5 [San Antonio], “Video-visitation plan coming to Bexar County Jail” [October 16, 2014]: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/advocates-want-return-of-face-to-face-travis-count/nhksd/

“The Bexar County Jail is plugging into video-visitation. But a recent study on a similar program in Travis County implemented last year says video-only visitations result in more trouble behind bars. […] Travis County started using video-visitation in 2013, but a recent study by Grassroots Leadership and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition says it has only resulted in more violence and more contraband in the jail.”

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CBS Houston, “Video-Only Prison Visits A Profitable Replacement For Texas Jails” [October 23, 2014]: http://houston.cbslocal.com/2014/10/23/video-only-prison-visits-a-profitable-replacement-for-face-to-face-contact/

“A report from the Grassroots Leadership and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition notes that personal visits improve jail security and lower recidivism rates, reports the station. ‘Video-only visitation policies ignore best practices that call for face-to-face visits to foster family relationships,’ the report argues. ‘They advance arguments about security that are dubious, not rooted in research, and may be counter-productive.’”

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CBS News, “Video-only prison visits to be introduced in Texas jails?” [October 24, 2014]: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-only-prison-visits-to-be-introduced-in-texas-jails/

“A report from the Grassroots Leadership and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition notes that personal visits improve jail security and lower recidivism rates, reports the station. ‘Video-only visitation policies ignore best practices that call for face-to-face visits to foster family relationships,’ the report argues. ‘They advance arguments about security that are dubious, not rooted in research, and may be counter-productive.’”

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The Austin Chronicle, “Through a Glass, Darkly: County jail visitation now video-only” [November 7, 2014]: http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2014-11-07/through-a-glass-darkly/

“At the Travis County Correctional Complex in Del Valle, visitations have gone, initially, from contact to meetings through Plexiglas; now, those who want to visit their loved ones can do so only from a video-enabled computer. […] Securus Technologies, the Dallas company that contracts with Travis County and 10 other Texas counties (three more are anticipated), offers a video visitation line that’s akin to a Skype call through bad wi-fi. […] Last week, Travis County renewed its contract with Securus through 2015. […] But a few weeks before the contract renewal, two advocacy groups – Grassroots Leadership and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition – released a study arguing against video-only visitation. Analyzing open records documents, they report that both violence and contraband have increased since the initiation of video-only visitation.”

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KSAT ABC 21 [San Antonio], “Bexar jail to begin video-only visitation in 2015” [December 10, 2014]: http://www.ksat.com/content/pns/ksat/news/2014/12/10/bexar-co–jail-to-begin-video-only-visitation-in-2015.html

“Visiting inmates at the Bexar County Jail will be done via computer screens beginning December 2015. […] Under the current system, inmates must be moved from their cells or living units to visitation booths where they speak to visitors through glass windows and phone receivers. Once video visitation begins, rooms such as those will become obsolete and inmates will not be moved throughout the facility, since the video screens they will use will be located in their living units. […] While there are certain benefits, critics argue visitors should be given a choice between in-person visits and video visits. ‘There are studies that show that recidivism drops’ when inmates have face-to-face interaction, according to Jorge Renaud with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition. […] ‘There’s a psychological comfort in knowing that this person has come down there – that they’re allowing me to go in there and see this person and their kids and have them rub their snotty little faces on the glass and put their hands up there and touch me,’ he said.”

November 3, 2014: “Texas Criminal Justice Advocates Focused on Continuing Reform Efforts”

This Breitbart article discusses the criminal justice panel at the 2014 Texas Tribune Festival, at which participants – including Dr. Ana Yáñez-Correa, State Rep. James White, Michael Morton (exoneree), and Vikrant Reddy of the Texas Public Policy Foundation – emphasized the need for further criminal justice reform in Texas. More specifically, panelists discussed rates of incarceration, the motive driving reforms (public safety, rehabilitation, taxpayer savings), the new bipartisan Texas Smart on Crime Coalition, the impact of incarceration on children, reform goals (including higher-hanging fruit), drug legalization, race-based incarceration issues, capital punishment, treatment of the mentally ill, prison privatization, solitary confinement, and public safety outcomes that accompany improved reentry strategies.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-Texas/2014/11/03/Texas-Criminal-Justice-Advocates-Focused-on-Continuing-Reform-Efforts.

November 10, 2014: “Texas Families Rally for Criminal Justice: Claim state’s justice system is broken”

This Austin Chronicle article discusses a rally held by Texas Families for Justice, a grassroots coalition of groups and individuals seeking improvements in the criminal justice system. Nearly 300 attendees gathered outside the Texas Capitol demanding systemic change for those incarcerated, and for those leaving confinement. TCJC’s Jorge Renaud served as a speaker, specifically addressing his own history of incarceration and advocating that attendees use their number to support each other and influence change.

To view this article, please visit: http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2014-11-10/texas-families-rally-for-criminal-justice/.

November 17, 2014: “Following On 2013’s Legislative Efforts, Texas Lawmakers Aim To Decriminalize Student Truancy”

This Texas Public Radio article examines a newly filed bill to reduce truancy penalties, building on legislation passed in 2013 to prohibit the issuance of adult misdemeanor Class C citations to students for disrupting class. TCJC’s Jennifer Carreon emphasized that out-of-school issues impact student attendance, including serving as a caretaker for loved ones or not having a home at all.

To view this article, please visit: http://tpr.org/post/following-2013-s-legislative-efforts-texas-lawmakers-aim-decriminalize-student-truancy.