The FIRST STEP Act signed into law by President Trump on December 21, 2018, secured amendments to allow federal guards to weaponize in emergency situation; such as riots (completely new). The Attorney General is given 180 days, to provide a new Risk and Needs Assessment tool, that will assist in creating evidence-based programs to adequately manage recidivism. Opportunities and consideration for shrinking sentences (Credit System), will be given based on the inmate criminogenic needs and risk calculations; considering risk level.
Promoting, meaningful engagement and policy development with community partners, that can assist with implementation of recidivism-reduction programs. These include but are not limited too: Non-Profits, Educational Institutions "(as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C 1001)," Vocational training and certification--prison job referrals -- paid/volunteer, Employers, companies and community leaders assisting with opportunities for prerelease, custody and community supervision. Consideration for electronic monitoring based on inmate progress, behavioral expectation, and credits earned.
Prior, felony convictions reduced to mandatory minimums, for drug users and includes:
Promoting, meaningful engagement and policy development with community partners, that can assist with implementation of recidivism-reduction programs. These include but are not limited too: Non-Profits, Educational Institutions "(as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C 1001)," Vocational training and certification--prison job referrals -- paid/volunteer, Employers, companies and community leaders assisting with opportunities for prerelease, custody and community supervision. Consideration for electronic monitoring based on inmate progress, behavioral expectation, and credits earned.
Prior, felony convictions reduced to mandatory minimums, for drug users and includes:
-- Leniency for Minor Drug offenses!
-- No leniency for: mass production of illicit substances, such as grow opps.
-- No leniency for illegal drugs reproduction & trafficking.
-- Leniency towards Non-Violent offenders, and low level crime where No weapons are involved.
-- Compassion for terminally ill inmates who are no longer a threat to society (Early Release).
-- A credit system during incarceration meant to keeping the peace and promote early release.
-- Credit for good behaviour, and program involvement that can reduce criminogenic risk and needs.
-- Leniency for engaging in vocational activities/training to assist with early release.
-- Comprehensive risks -- needs assessment to prevent recidivism long-term.
-- No leniency for: mass production of illicit substances, such as grow opps.
-- No leniency for illegal drugs reproduction & trafficking.
-- Leniency towards Non-Violent offenders, and low level crime where No weapons are involved.
-- Compassion for terminally ill inmates who are no longer a threat to society (Early Release).
-- A credit system during incarceration meant to keeping the peace and promote early release.
-- Credit for good behaviour, and program involvement that can reduce criminogenic risk and needs.
-- Leniency for engaging in vocational activities/training to assist with early release.
-- Comprehensive risks -- needs assessment to prevent recidivism long-term.
U.S. traditional "Tough On Crime" legislations including mandatory minimums, truth in sentencing, and three-strikes (25 years to life incarceration), have seen mass incarceration of poor, homeless community addicts. Minor drug violations, resulted in federal/felony incarceration (for > 1 year/fine exceeding $1000.) involving predominantly; Blacks and Latino-Americans. The FIRST STEP Act, will keep those caught in possession of substances for personal use; out of federal penitentiary.
This is only a First Step, but nevertheless a phenomenal reprieve for inmates who are now scheduled for release based on time served. When first steps have been properly enforced to the benefit of non-violent drug users the next phase will be "Second Step."
The FIRST STEP Act, provides a glimmer of hope for those non-violent offenders (signed into law on December 21, 2018). However, there's been a bit of a stall, or stale mate in the actual application of this law. Imminent problems ensued when the U.S. government and peoples experienced one of the longest government shutdown in history; due to conflicting goals of the 2 dominant ruling parties! The Republican Party (forming government), while the Democratic Party forming opposition decided to look the other way on illegal migrant crossing at the U.S. - Mexican Boarder; refusing to provide any funding for Boarder security which included completion of a Boarder Wall at this location.
In February--March, this Southern Boarder continued to be the focus, while large groups of migrants made the journey on foot seeking asylum in the U.S. Many of these migrants have no idea of the particular laws that would qualify them for entry; therefore placed in a disadvantageous situation where large sums of money is continuously paid to those smuggling, or profiting from this venture. No end to this current situation while U.S. and Mexico struggle to keep conditions humane for those families wishing to enter the U.S. legally.
Good news, the FIRST STEP Act, is in the works despite delays at the onset. Further, complications to mapping out a comprehensive plan ensued, because the former Attorney General was removed/resigned (November 07, 2018). On November 08, 2018, President Trump evoked, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, 1998, to appoint Matthew Whitaker, as acting attorney general. Whilst, Democrats and the main stream media went viral; with questions about the legality/legitimacy of such an appointment. Hence, contributing to delays/negative effects; on the timely intervention of the FIRST STEP Act.
The process to select, and get a new attorney general confirmed, became critical, and said process began almost immediately. In mid February, 2019, U.S. confirmed the new attorney general William (Bill) P. Barr, who is no stranger to the Department Of Justice, having served previously in 1991.
On April 09, 2019, Barr quick response to the FIRST STEP Act, included initiating meaningful dialogue, research and implementations, set out to create a new assessment tool for the justice system. Announcing that Huston Institute will host an independent review committee; as mandated under the Act. Further, this independent committee will be responsible for formulating a risks--needs assessment tool, that focuses on programs to decrease recidivism; in compliance with the legislation.
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