National Academies Releases New Report on Reducing Racial Inequality in Crime and Justice

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) recently released a new report, Reducing Racial Inequality in Crime and Justice: Science, Practice, and Policy. The report addresses disparities faced by people of color in the criminal justice system that result from systemic racism and the policies and practices that reinforce it. It highlights evidence-based policy interventions, focusing on reforming the criminal justice system and developing strategies to strengthen community reforms. Recommendations for reforming the criminal justice system include eliminating cash bail, reducing drug incarceration and felony sentences, discarding the death penalty, and more, while community reforms include health and early development strategies, improving economic opportunities, and increasing public investments. The report reinforces the need for evidence-based intervention and acknowledges the need for continued research and policy advancements to address these issues.