The Pretrial Justice Institute (PJI) recently interviewed Roseanne Scotti, the Director of New Jersey’s Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), on the matter of New Jersey bail reform.
They shared a laugh and chuckle…seemingly at the expense of the views of law enforcement, frustrated citizens, and legislators on the failing measures of NJ Bail Reform.
As New Jersey bail reform continues to frustrate law enforcement and elected officials, release dangerous offenders with ZERO accountability, and cost taxpayers millions – the architects of bail reform (NJ Judiciary, ACLU of NJ, and DPA) claim bail reform is a “success” by touting incomplete data and measuring its success solely on the number of unaccountable releases.
Roseanne Scotti’s flippant attitude towards the failing NJ Bail Reform and concerns being raised are no surprise to us. We wouldn’t expect anything less coming from an organization that is more concerned with the rights of offenders than they are the rights of victims.
“when the law went live, law enforcement was used to a system where they could lock someone up and they stayed locked up before their trial”
Well…no. They were used to being able to protect their citizens they serve by knowing that there would be accountable release options for offenders at the discretion of the judge – and not a system that allowed offenders out on nothing more than a “pinky promise.”
“I think there’s been some frustration with law enforcement about arresting people and seeing them released”
Oh really, you think? Perhaps it may have to do with violent offenders and repeat criminals being released for FREE with ZERO accountability on the backs of taxpayers after victimizing law abiding citizens.
“They (talking about us) have a couple different websites now and they are posting every day – so and so was arrested with 10 bags of heroin and FREE TO GO. Yeah, you’re free to go until your day in court.”
Scotti’s attempt to minimize the mass release of thousands of offenders unaccountable is laughable. Tell that to the face of those who have been victimized – only to see the accused walk out with ZERO supervision only to reoffend. Let’s not forget you’re making a gross assumption in assuming that offenders even go to court…what’s their motivation now?
“It’s one of those sort of things that can sound bad to the general public and you need to do some education on. Legislators get worried about this kind of bad media attention.”
Is that all you think it is? Miss Scotti, it doesn’t just sound bad…it is bad. I’m not sure who anointed the Drug Policy Alliance (let alone you) the judge and jury on the success or failure of bail reform, but I think that law enforcement on the front lines are a little more qualified than you to make that call.
“You listing a bunch of people that were arrested for breaking into someone’s house or stealing or whatever it would be and released – even though it makes no sense and it’s as things should be in terms of a system – and the persons been determined with a validated evidenced based risk assessment that they are going to show up for court and they are not going to commit a new crime – it’s something legislators worry about.”
They have reason to worry – and so does the general public. Perhaps you should listen a little more to those affected by bail reform than those accused of crimes that are benefitting from it. We have exampled plenty of failures of the “validated” risk assessment and already changes are being made. These bandaid changes will not change the fact that the risk assessment is no more “validated” than a Magic 8-Ball in determining the future actions of someone accused of a crime. Accountability and real pretrial supervision are the only proven method in being a deterrent for repeat offenders.
“…and I think it’s something that, you know, they have, um, taken…um, there was one case of someone where there was a murder by someone who had been released pending trial.”
“…people arrested with a gun and released – although someone arrested with a gun, um, and released could be a very low risk individual.”
That “someone” had a name Miss Scotti. His name was Christian Rodgers. The person charged with murdering him was arrested with a gun and released the next day – FREE TO GO with ZERO accountability despite a long criminal record.
How about you take a minute and put a face to that “someone”…
You’ve been LIED to New Jersey…NJ Bail Reform is RECKLESS, DANGEROUS, and YOU are PAYING for it.