Today President Donald Trump called upon Congress to pass the FIRST STEP Act, a bipartisan criminal justice legislation. An incredible aspect of the FIRST STEP Act is that both Republicans and Democrats in Senate have worked towards crafting a sentencing reform, which is hard to come by in today’s political climate. If passed, federal prisoners would gain access to resources which prepare them for life after prison. Well-behaved prisoners would attain freedom earlier. Inmates arrested for drug crimes may become eligible for exemptions from mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Throughout promoting inmates to participate in vocational training, educational opportunities, and faith-based programs the FIRST STEP Act works towards reducing recidivism. Upon reviewing the FIRST STEP Act legislation, reduction of recidivism will be achieved  by:

 

• Conducting prisoner needs and risk assessment

 

• Developing recommendations regarding evidence-based recidivism reduction programs

 

• Conducting research and analysis on evidence-based recidivism reduction programs

 

• On an annual basis, review and validate the risk and needs assessment system

 

• Determining the recidivism risk of each prisoner as part of the intake process, and classify each prisoner as having minimum, low, medium, or high risk for recidivism and determine the type, amount, and intensity of evidence-based recidivism reduction programs that are appropriate for each prisoner

 

• Providing guidance on program grouping and housing assignment determinations and, after accounting for the safety of each prisoner and other individuals at the prison

 

• A prisoner who is successfully participating in an evidence-based recidivism reduction program shall receive phone privileges and additional time for visitation at the prison, as determined by the warden of the prison

 

… among other strategic tactics.

 

If passed, this legislation would encourage inmates to engage in programs structured towards ensuring their permanent release. Throughout granting credits to those who participate in programs geared towards reducing recidivism coupled with content that assists in preparing inmates for life after prison, the FIRST STEP Act is monumental in criminal justice reform. This act is particularly intriguing by using evidence-based research and programs in reducing recidivism. The FIRST STEP Act is working towards ensuring offenders are prepared for reentry into society and achieving reform that will make the justice system increasing fair, which is a dramatic change from previous systematic methods of criminal justice.