History

In 1844, some of New York City's leading citizens, concerned about brutal conditions in prisons and the lack of support services for former prisoners, convened the first meeting of the Correctional Association of New York.

Just two years later, the New York State Legislature passed a law granting the organization the authority to inspect prisons and to report its findings and recommendations for improvements to policy makers and the public. This special legislative privilege enables the Correctional Association to shine a spotlight in the dark corners of the prison system, counter debilitating conditions and promote effective prison programs.

Throughout its century-and-a-half of service, the Association has focused public attention on the misguided efforts to use prison as a salve for serious social problems. As early as 1942, the Association issued warnings about the foolishness of treating drug addiction through incarceration. Since its inception, it has gone on to study various aspects of the criminal justice system; issues from prisoners with HIV/ AIDS to work release for battered women. Currently, there are four working projects: the Public Policy Project, the Women in Prison Project, the Prison Visiting Project and the Juvenile Justice Project.

The Association believes that the criminal justice system, in general, and prison issues, in particular, are among the most pressing civil rights issues of our time and can no longer be treated separately from other public policy concerns. Jails, prisons, and related criminal justice activities consume an extraordinary amount of tax dollars while useful government programs like higher education and job training go begging for funds.

Through advocacy, public education, and developing and promoting workable alternative proposals, the Correctional Association seeks to create a more fair, efficient and humane criminal justice system and a more safe and just society.