NJ Gov. Christie Signs Bill Repealing Inmate Early Release Program

Governor Chris Christie signed a bill ending the early release inmate program implemented in January 2011.  The bill was enacted to release inmates, six-months early, who met certain criteria.  Since January, 363 inmates were released and 22 of those inmates were rearrested with 2 being charged for homicide.   That is approximately 6% recidivism rate. The challenge the State faces is whether those re-offenders are just the tip of the preverbal iceberg.

There are questions I would like to raise:

Q1)  What crimes were the offenders arrested for?  Some may say this does not matter, but indeed it does.  In order to fully judge the success or failure of the early release program, we must understand which offenders had a higher rate of re-offending and whether the crimes were violent crimes.

Q2)  Did the economy have any thing to do with the offenses?  Releasing inmates into a society where the unemployment rate for African-Americans is at 16% and the overall jobless rate is approximately 8.5% should be done with the expectation that some would commit crimes.  UNLESS proper re-entry services were in place to facilitate a stable economic, living, and/or family environment.

Q3) Is five months enough time?  The program lasted from January to May 9, 2011.  Ending the program is said to be necessary in order to protect the citizens of New Jersey.

Q4) Is this rate of new offenses or re-offenses comparable to the crime rate in the State? 

Q5)  What is the ethnicity of the inmates released?  What are the ages of the inmates? 

MOST IMPORTANTLY – What is the impact of both decisions on the victims (pre- and post-early release)?

Reading articles and following this on the news, I am not seeing enough information for the public to make an accurate appraisal of whether or not the program was successful.  Yes, I agree that if the inmates were not release the two homicides would not have happened.  I also agree that crime is a problem in New Jersey which should not be addressed lightly nor overlooked.  However, the fairness of the imposition on the law must be called into question.

When a plan is implemented with the expectation of failure…it will more than likely fail.  If a plan is implemented in order to trade safety to increase expendable state income (by no longer paying for the imprisonment of inmates)…the plan would likely fail.  If inmates are release and cast into a struggling society with no support and a stamp saying “convict” on their forehead…they will likely re-offend. 

I am not offering an excuse for those that chose to re-enter a life of crime when given a second chance.  On the contrary, I feel those who wasted the opportunity should serve the full original sentence as well as the additional sentence for the crime they committed.  I am questioning whether or not Gov. Christie, the criminal justice system of New Jersey, and all other “powers that be” within the state gave the inmates the chance they deserved.  Or, was this a political power play with people’s lives? I am sure much thought was given to the initial decision to implement the releases and the decision to repeal.  I question what the logic involved in the thought process.  Release from jail or prison should be done on a case-by-case basis.  A blanket release is asking for trouble.  

Articles to read:

March Press Release on Gov. Christie’s Website

NJ.com Christie signs bill ending early release of inmates

NJ.com Republican Lawmakers ask for repeal

Daily Journey article covering repeal

Tonisha “Ms. Toni” Pinckney, CFE, CFFA, MSCJ (I AM MORE, LLC) is an empowerment speaker, author, forensic accountant, and criminologist. She has a B.S. in Accounting, a M.S. in Criminal Justice, and a post-graduate Certificate in Forensic Criminology. Ms. Toni is passionate about giving steps necessary for success starting with the mantra: “You are no longer a product of your past; you are a facilitator of your future!” She is also passionate about victim rights, juvenile justice, effective restorative justice.  Email her: saymore@iammoreonline.com. Follow her: Twitter @IAMMORE. Website: www.tonishapinckney.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAMMORE  www.facebook.com/Revelatus

Are You a Social Networking ‘Jack of All Trades”?

In an effort to establish a name or image, it is possible to cast an unfavorable light on your image and your brand.  Let’s use Facebook pages for this exercise.  Facebook is a great tool for exposing your skill set and brand to those who would ordinarily be outside of your marketing reach.  But, what are you showing them?  Beware of being the “jack of all trades and the master of none”.  Your audience needs to understand exactly who you are and what you are presenting to them. 

Here are a few things to ponder when it comes to your online image:

DO NOT have Facebook pages for ever idea or skill set.  This could confuse your audience.  On lookers could also get the feeling you are desperately seeking attention.  The abundance of unnecessary pages does not add credibility. It instead subtracts from it.

DO combine pages with similar topics, but have few people who ‘like’ them independently.  In this case make sure you tell each page the reason for the consolidation.  Work on building up one page.  You will be better able to supply consistent and useful information.

DO NOT inundate multiple pages with the same information.  If you are distributing the same information to multiple pages then you need to decide on one of two options: (1) consolidate the pages or (2) create credible, noteworthy, unique content for each page.

DO create a page for each business you are branding.  If you have two or more businesses, each having a unique brand and product or service, you should have a separate page for each. People will gravitate to a page for specific reasons.  Giving too much information on a page which cannot be logically (and quickly) linked could lead to a confused audience.

DO NOT leave any of your pages inactive for too long.  If you have a page which is less active, be sure to check in and remind the audience why you exist.  Give them information or motivation. 

DO advertise your social networking links, profiles, and urls on all of your marketing tools, email signatures, and printed materials.

These are but a few I have noticed.  However, I know there are more.  The worst thing to do is to confuse or annoy your audience.  I am not by any means a social media guru.  These are my observations based on personal experience and on conversation with others. Before thinking growth, think quality!

Tonisha “Ms. Toni” Pinckney, CFE, CFFA, MSCJ (I AM MORE, LLC) is an empowerment speaker, author, forensic accountant, and criminologist. She has a B.S. in Accounting, a M.S. in Criminal Justice, and a post-graduate Certificate in Forensic Criminology. Ms. Toni is passionate about giving steps necessary for success starting with the mantra: “You are no longer a product of your past; you are a facilitator of your future!” She is also passionate about victim rights, juvenile justice, effective restorative justice.  Email her: saymore@iammoreonline.com. Follow her: Twitter @IAMMORE. Website: www.tonishapinckney.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAMMORE  www.facebook.com/Revelatus

Death of Osama Bin Laden: Justice for 9/11 Families and Survivors

President Barack Obama announced Sunday, May 1, 2011 that Osama Bin Laden was indeed killed by United States forces.  Finally, many families can feel they get justice and closure for the September 11, 2001 attacks.  This is truly “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED”!

Tonight the hearts of the American people are overwhelmed with pride and gratitude toward those in the US Armed Forces.  That day in 2001 was never forgotten.  Like many who lost their loved ones to local violent crimes, healing commences when justice is served. Celebrate the troops everyday not just on federally designated days.

As Americans heal, they should not forget the pain that lead to the triumph.  They should not forget how they feel at this moment – SOLIDARITY.  United States leaders should carry this spirit of unity to the voting floor when deciding on Medicare, victim Rights, levels of unemployment, taxation, criminal justice, assistance for the mentally ill and their families, and all the other issues the American people are facing. 

Just as American will never forget the tragedy of 9/11, never forget the US Troops who fight everyday in every way for “freedom, justice, and liberty for all”.  The citizens of the United States must remember their strength and their power.  That same strength and power can be used to help the ailing, impoverished, abandoned, and uneducated right on their own soil. 


Nicole Simpson, author of the forth coming book "09/11/01 A Long Road Toward Recovery", says "The death of Osama Bin Laden is a clear reminder of the continual sacrifice of our military and their families to provide a safe haven for all Americans. Today, as we near the ten year anniversary of that fateful day, survivors across the great country of the United States of American can truly begin to heal as a nation." Herself a survivor, she has proven that her strength is in God and her faith will not waiver.  She will not live in terror, but live in faith!

There is no challenge more important than to utilize their memory as a guide leading them to greater greatness.  President Obama stood before the American people confirming the pride of a great nation.  To follow the lead of the President of the United States, the American people should look forward to a strong future.  Tonisha Pinckney says, “You are no longer a product of your past. You are a facilitator of your future.”  As this door to the past squeaks closed, the American people do not have to carry the burden and title of a nation victimized.  They are survivors!  They are pushing forever forward to facilitate a great future!  May God continue to bless America! American can truly say “I AM MORE!”