Res 0471-2018

By Council Members Dromm and Ayala Whereas, The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision ("DOCCS") is responsible for rehabilitating incarcerated individuals to prepare them for successful reentry after their sentences, and visitation is a crucial component of that rehabilitation; and Whereas, According to a 2013 Yale University study, visits reduce the risk of recidivism and felony reconvictions, and allow for a safer prison environment that facilitates a healthy transition during the reentry process for both incarcerated individuals and their families; and Whereas, DOCCS houses a daily population of approximately 49,500 and oversees approximately 35,500 parolees, statewide; and Whereas, From 1973 through early 2011, DOCCS provided free transportation to New York State run prisons to help individuals stay connected with incarcerated family members; and Whereas, In early 2011, the State terminated free transportation to correctional facilities in an effort to save approximately $1.5 million; and Whereas, According to a report published by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, the lack of and cost for transportation are the most frequently identified barriers to visitation of correctional facilities; and Whereas, Additionally, sixty percent of incarcerated individuals in state prison reported having a living child upon admission to the DOCCS system; and Whereas, In-person visits can not only have a positive impact on incarcerated parents, but can also contribute to the emotional well-being and future life outcomes of visiting children; and Whereas, Research shows that visits are an important component of managing prisoner behavior, reducing recidivism and promoting positive parent-child relationships; and Whereas, A.7016-A, introduced by New York State Assemblymember Carmen N. De La Rosa, and companion bill S.5693-A, introduced by New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, would amend the New York State Correction Law to restore transportation for visitors from certain cities to state run correctional facilities; and Whereas, A.7016-A/S.5693-A would restore free transportation service from cities, including New York, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany, to correctional facilities as determined by the DOCCS commissioner; and Whereas, Restoring free transportation services to correctional facilities for family members of incarcerated individuals would benefit both the visiting family members and incarcerated individuals; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.7016-A/S.5693-A, which would restore regular free bus service for visitors to correctional facilities. WJH LS 6032 8/2/18