Proposed criminal justice reform creates debate at neighborhood meeting

By Ava Feer

WASHINGTON – A debate broke out at a neighborhood meeting held in Glover Park on Oct. 10 over proposed legislation that could see prisoners convicted of violent crimes, released early.

Thirty people crowded into Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3B’s meeting, held in Stoddert Elementary School’s cafeteria, in the early evening to hear about the Second Look Amendment Act. If passed, the act would give prisoners who committed a crime between the ages of 15 and 25 and have served a minimum of 15 years in prison, the chance to have their case heard before a judge and possibly be released early.

Special counsel to the United States attorney for the District of Columbia, Renata Cooper, made a presentation on the act and presented findings on how brains continue to develop well into people’s 20s. Cooper said this is part of the reasoning behind making the maximum age 25. However, she voiced concern that there is “no explicit requirement that the judge consider the crime itself.”

There are 11 criteria a judge must consider before deciding whether to release a prisoner, including whether if they have gone through rehabilitation while incarcerated. However, one criteria the judge does not have consider before making their decision is the nature of the crime.

Ward 3 Council member Mary Cheh, who presented the act as one of the co-introducers, said, “I believe in rehabilitation and redemption.” Even so, she said she was concerned that the act would not make judges consider the crime.

Mary Templeton, who attended the meeting with her husband Al, said, “I think that I want the judge to take into consideration what the person did.” Templeton added that she thought most people in the room felt the same way.

ANC 3B’s chairman, Brian Turmail, cautioned for patience in passing the act.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office feels strongly that you don’t really have a good handle on recidivism rates … until you can get a three-year picture and we’re only two years into the changes that applied to the 18 and under crowd,” Turmail said.

Turmail said he believes waiting another year and seeing if those who have been released so far are “returning as contributing members of society,” would be beneficial before moving forward with the act.

On the tone of the meeting, Ann Mladinov, 3B’s secretary, said “I thought the emotional content was very low, particularly for a discussion of something that could get so heated.”

In addition to the discussion of the act, a representative from the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority discussed the replacement of lead pipes and how some can have the cost subsidized by the government.

Representatives from Washington’s Office of Campaign Finance presented a program that will match donations made to local campaigns that do not take money from businesses or political action committees.

In addition, a grant was awarded to Iona Senior Services for a new laptop.

However, the discussion of the act overshadowed most other items on the agenda and both Mladinov and Turmail said they would be keeping a close eye on any developments relating to the act.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3B’s chairman, Brian Turmail and vice chairman, Jackie Blumenthal, seated during an ANC 3B meeting held on Oct. 10. A presentation and discussion on the Second Look Amendment Act took up most of the meeting.

(Photo by Ava Feer)