On September 25th and 26th, John Jay held the second annual Smart on Crime Innovations Conference, bringing together some of the nation’s top criminal justice authorities and respected leaders. Co-hosted by John Jay College, the Center for American Progress, and the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, a wide range of experts shared their experiences, their data, and their goals for the future. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a democrat or a republican, a conservative or a liberal, from the city, the suburbs or a rural community—we’re all here for the same reason,” said President Karol V. Mason. “We’re here to rethink our criminal justice system, making it more equitable and fair, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.”

“We want to get people together to make a commitment to shrinking the criminal justice system, and to showcase innovations in this space that are working and changing communities, while making sure that we do it in a safe, smart and equitable way,” said Ed Chung, Vice President, Criminal Justice Reform, Center for American Progress. Speakers covered topics ranging from race and disparities to the rehabilitation and education of former inmates. The conference offered data-driven views and solutions to criminal justice reform.