UPCOMING Events
Past Events
Wednesday March 20, 2024 · 1:00pm- 2:00pm
Briefing Recap: Criminal Justice Reform Caucus
Lessons from the Past: Correctional Reform in the 1970s
Location
Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
The Correctional Reform Working Group conducted a comprehensive briefing for the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus on March 20th, 2024. This event served as a platform to engage with experts who have played pivotal roles in shaping Massachusetts' correctional landscape. Participants had the opportunity to delve into historical insights, current challenges, and proposed solutions aimed at fostering a more effective and equitable criminal justice system. Event Highlights: * Engaging Expertise: Attendees had the privilege of interacting with professionals who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. Each speaker provided unique perspectives and valuable insights garnered from years of involvement in correctional reform efforts. * Exploring Key Objectives: Throughout the briefing, participants explored critical objectives, including the utilization of past reform successes within the Department of Correction to inform present-day strategies. The session also aimed to recognize past achievements, address ongoing challenges, and highlight the significant impact of community-based correction programs on reducing recidivism rates. * Diverse Perspectives: The lineup of speakers offered diverse backgrounds and expertise, ranging from former government officials to frontline practitioners. This diversity enriched the discussion and provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues within the criminal justice system. Featured Speakers: * Jim Circo: Former Assistant Secretary for Criminal Justice in the Executive Office of Human Services; Former Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Corrections. * Samantha Mariano: Project Manager, Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network; Former Case Manager at Boston CCS & BU Prison Education Program Intern. * Jim Matesanz: BU Faculty Lecturer; Former DOC and Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Prison & Jail Superintendent. * Chris Richmond: Former Deputy Commissioner for Community Corrections, Massachusetts Department of Corrections: 1974-1978. Key Takeaways: The briefing provided attendees with invaluable insights and actionable strategies for advancing criminal justice reform initiatives in Massachusetts. By leveraging the collective expertise of the Correctional Reform Working Group and engaging with diverse perspectives, legislators left the event equipped with newfound knowledge and inspiration to drive positive change within the criminal justice system.
Wednesday May 10, 2023 · 6:00pm- 8:00pm EDT
Crisis. Reform. Repeat.
Applying Lessons from Correctional History: The John Boone Era
Location
Rajen Kilachand Center for Integrated Life Sciences & Engineering
610 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
On May 10th, 2023, we successfully hosted our first event, "Crisis. Reform. Repeat. — Applying Lessons from Correctional History: The John Boone Era" at Boston University. It marked the beginning of a series of discussions intended to explore pivotal moments in Massachusetts correctional history. This event centered around the reforms, successes, and failures of Massachusetts Correction Commissioner John O. Boone, who was appointed by Governor Sargent in 1972. Commissioner Boone, a highly regarded Superintendent of the Lorton Reformatory Prison system in Virginia, was recruited to lead transformational reform within the Massachusetts state prison system. From January 1972 to June 1973, he implemented significant changes aimed at establishing a more humane prison environment. These reforms included the closure of several outdated disciplinary units and the introduction of due process rights for inmates prior to placement in solitary confinement. To truly understand John Boone's experience in Massachusetts, our discussion examined the perspectives of various stakeholders within the criminal justice system; including state administrators, legislators, judges, personnel from Criminal Justice agencies such as the Department of Correction, Parole and Probation officers, incarcerated individuals, formerly incarcerated individuals, the media, activists, and academics. Moderated by Deborah Becker from WBUR, our panelists shared their unique insights, fostering discussions on how these experiences can inform present-day reform efforts. ​​ Since Commissioner Boone's tenure, the Massachusetts criminal justice system has undergone cycles of "law and order" retrenchment followed by crises that necessitate major reform efforts. These reforms have been driven by executive and legislative actions, advocacy and legal challenges, court decisions, and media coverage. Over these 50 years, the prison system in Massachusetts has become both more progressive and more regressive compared to similar states with similar demographics. By studying these historical cycles and understanding the underlying factors that drive reform, we aim to shape a more comprehensive and effective approach to criminal justice in Massachusetts.
