We know first-hand the effect violent crime is having on our community. We've watched in the courtroom, the classroom and the community as young people head down a path that leads to one side or another of a tragic criminal equation. We've seen the devastating effect of violent crime on families, friends and neighbors. And we are deeply concerned not only about the individuals involved, but about the implications this trend has for our city's future.
The time has come for us to take action to prevent Jacksonville's story of hope, promise and surmounting the odds from becoming a tale of hopelessness, violence and economic stagnation. It is an enormous challenge, but the answer is the same one that has always brought us success: we must act together, and we must act now. We recognize that an enhanced law enforcement presence is a big part of the solution, but there must be more.
Accordingly, I'm asking you to join with me and others throughout the community in an effort to not just stem, but also to reverse the tide of violence that threatens our children, our families and our future. We will divide this effort among some of our city's best hearts and minds, enlist the help of others, and work to mobilize our entire city to do what needs to be done.
As a committee, it is your job to address the needs of those who've already made mistakes. Through targeted intervention and rehabilitation efforts we can reduce recidivism, help stop the revolving door of justice and assist both juveniles and adults in moving toward a productive and self-sufficient lifestyle.
Some programs already exist, but work independently of one another. Part of your directive is to help coordinate their missions, link their efforts and fill the gaps in our intervention and rehabilitation nets so that no one who wants to change course goes unassisted.
Provide support for youth in high-crime neighborhoods
Identify youth who are at extremely high risk and enroll them in a multi-agency, intense supervision program designed to keep them off the streets and out of trouble. Look to the "Boston Miracle" and Philadelphia's Alive by 25 project aimed at teens and young adults who've already committed violent gun and/or drug crimes. The initiatives combined the efforts of existing mentoring programs, law enforcement patrol and parole officers to significantly reduce violent crime rates — Boston's fell by 75 percent.
Restore and fully fund the Juvenile Assessment Center
Money for both programming and security are required to fully support the JAC. In 2005, its last operational year, the JAC assessed and/or detained nearly 7,000 young people, making it one of the busiest facilities of its kind in Florida. Money spent now on crime prevention efforts pales in comparison to what we will pay in the future for incarceration.
Eliminate out-of-school suspension
This antiquated policy is counter-intuitive to responsible community building and education. Out-of-school suspension simply provides more opportunities for delinquent behavior and dangerous interactions. Our prevention program: keeping kids in school and providing tutoring and other services to help them get back on track.
Begin re-entry program while incarcerated
Partner with the Florida Department of Corrections to begin the re-entry process before release. The brainchild of former sheriff Nat Glover, this program will provide for felons -- who were sentenced in Jacksonville -- to be transferred to a maximum security facility near the city at least six months before release. For those six months, they will receive training in job and life skills from coaches and service providers in our area.
Pursue the opportunity to partner with the Annie E. Casey Foundation to create the Jacksonville Re-entry Strategy
Regardless of the nature of the crime, people with felony records are often passed over for jobs once they re-enter society. They lose their right to vote, may not live in public housing and may not receive food stamps — all of which makes it more difficult for them to stay on the right track. While efforts are ongoing in this area by multiple organizations, a better result can be achieved by centralization. Lobby businesses to set aside jobs for convicted felons; the city will lead the charge. Incorporate Jacksonville-based Ready4Work, which has been so successful that former President Bill Clinton devoted three pages in his new book to the program.
Expand programs that are working
Jacksonville has a host of programs designed to re-set the priorities of young people who need a course correction, including PACE, DAWN and YouthBuild. We don't need to create new programs, only better assist the ones in existence. Address and eliminate redundancy in programming to maximize funding.
For more information on The Jacksonville Journey, call (904) 630-CITY or click on the links to the left.