Research

Administrative History

The New York State Commission on Sentencing Reform was created pursuant to Executive Order #10 in March 2007 to review New York's extensive sentencing structure and practices, community supervision, and alternatives to incarceration. The eleven member commission included persons appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, as well as administrative heads of the Department of Correctional Services (DOCS), the Board of Parole, the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), and the Crime Victims Board. The Commission created four subcommittees: Sentencing Policy; Simplification; Incarceration and Re-Entry; and Supervision in the Community. Hearings were conducted in Buffalo, Albany, and New York City in late 2007 and 2008 to invite comments from the public, advocacy groups, attorneys, the Judiciary, and formerly incarcerated individuals on the sentencing laws. The Commission issued its final report January 26, 2009. Recommendations included the establishment of a permanent commission to continuously monitor and review criminal justice and sentencing. The New York State Permanent Commission on Sentencing was established in October 2010.