[From Our Partners] An Evaluation of the Implementation of Project Reset: Interim Findings
This interim report prepared by the Rand Corporation describes the implementation of the Project Reset diversion program from the program’s initiation in 2018 through September 2020. This program was originally designed to provide post-arrest, pre-arraignment diversion programs to young adults and adults with no prior criminal record and who were arrested for nonviolent low-level offenses. The program was later expanded to include participants with prior convictions.
Individuals are diverted from traditional court processing and offered effective and tailored community-based responses. As of September 2020, the program has diverted and provided services to almost 2,000 individuals. In this report, information collected from program staff and participant interviews and surveys, programmatic data, and observations of programs describe how the program is implemented, identify key program facilitators and barriers, and illustrate participant experiences.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office (DANY) has invested funds through its Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) to support impactful projects that improve public safety and promote a fair and efficient justice system in New York City. Between 2018 and 2022, DANY has provided $7.76 million under CJII to fund Project Reset. CUNY ISLG is the technical assistance consultant to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for CJII, providing oversight and performance measurement to Project Reset and other CJII grantees, and also oversees this evaluation on behalf of DANY.