A group pushing for a change in the way we deal with violent crime went to a place where people can actually make that change on Monday.
Crime victims who came to the State Capitol think can be done to make things better. The members of the network of crime survivors groups say they believe rehabilitation not just repeatedly locking people up is the way to improve our justice system.
Photo by Ryan Harris, KFBK
Patrice Morgan's 22-year-old brother was murdered in 2013 by a known gang member who was just looking for someone to kill. She say she needed help after her brother's death, now she is trying to help people with her "Imagine No Colors" organization. The focuses is on kids. "If we can change their minds from racism and gang, we can save lives," said Morgan. "That's where it starts."
"Anything we can do to reduce recidivism we should all do together as law enforcement and community." Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones on keeping convicts from re-offending.
Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said it is about balance. He also said there are some people who should go to prison, but we need to focus on what happens when we know they are getting out. "What are we doing to prepare them, so that they're not going to be another act of recidivism," he asked. "Anything we can do to reduce recidivism we should all do together as law enforcement and community."