Case Analysis: The First Step Act

1. Rolling Hills PD Explores the First Step Act

As we have seen in this Challenge, the criminal justice system continues to evolve. The First Step Act (FSA) was signed into law by former President Donald Trump in December 2018, representing a bipartisan effort to reform the U.S. federal criminal justice system. Its primary aim is to:

• Reduce reoffending
• Address punitive sentencing laws
• Improve conditions in federal prisons

did you know

It also retroactively applied the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses—a disparity that had disproportionately affected African Americans.

The FSA also seeks to improve rehabilitation and reentry efforts for those incarcerated in federal prisons. It promotes programs aimed at reducing recidivism by providing incentives, such as increased good time credits, for individuals who participate in vocational training, educational programs, and other rehabilitative activities.

hint

The Act mandates the use of a risk and needs assessment system to determine each inmate’s likelihood of recidivism and tailor rehabilitation programs to their specific needs.

Additionally, the Act makes changes to prison conditions, including:

• Prohibiting the shackling of pregnant women
• Requiring that inmates be housed within 500 miles of their families when possible, making it easier for family connections to be maintained
• Compassionate release for terminally ill inmates

think about it

How can incentives and resources like resume building and community support help reduce recidivism (i.e., reoffending)?

The Rolling Hills PD wants officers Henson and Joon to review landmark cases and explain the evolution of the criminal justice system for some overtime. In this next case, they will determine the impacts of the First Step Act.

CONVERSATION BETWEEN COWORKERS

"Hi, again, Joon! I’m really looking forward to diving into the First Step Act with you. As a law enforcement agent, this one feels personal."

"Why is that, Alicia?"

"Well, while I believe in enforcing the laws of our country, I also believe that we should do everything we can to keep crimes from being committed in the first place."

"Right, and this Act helps those who were incarcerated to have a more supported and stable experience transitioning out of the prison system, so they can make different choices in the future."

term to know

Recidivism

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

1a. Case of Building a New Future

Watch and listen as Detective Henson and Professor Joon investigate the impacts of the First Step Act:

watch

1b. Debrief

Let’s look at why Detective Henson and Professor Joon think this story illustrates how the First Step Act can reduce recidivism and help nonviolent offenders have a more stable future.

CONVERSATION BETWEEN COWORKERS

"So, do you think this story helps show how the First Step Act helps formerly incarcerated individuals avoid relapsing into criminal behavior?"

"Absolutely. And recent reports show that for the more than 44,000 people released under the Act, the recidivism rate for those individuals is significantly lower than for others released in previous years."

"Reducing sentences for nonviolent offenders makes a real difference, but as we saw in this case study, people also need practical support like job training and social support like community building."

"Right, in order to avoid repeating the behaviors and choices that led to criminal behavior in the first place."

"Basically, this case study shows that reforming the criminal justice system has a real and positive impact on families."

learn more

Read more about the impacts of The First Step Act or FSA (Public Law 115-39).

REFERENCES

Nellis, A., & Komar, L. (2023, August 22). The first step act: Ending mass incarceration in federal prisons. The Sentencing Project. www.sentencingproject.org/policy-brief/the-first-step-act-ending-mass-incarceration-in-federal-prisons/