Lafayette Reporter

WASHINGTON – During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, Senator John Kennedy (R-La) raised concerns about the recidivism rate among criminals released under the First Step Act. In a direct exchange with Colette Peters, the director of the Bureau of Prisons, Kennedy questioned the effectiveness of the program, stating, “You don't have the slightest idea how many of them committed another crime and came back?”

Peters responded by acknowledging that approximately 30,000 individuals have been released under the First Step Act since its passage. When asked if any victims were notified prior to the release of these individuals, Peters mentioned that such notifications typically occur through the U.S. Attorney's Office.

However, when pressed by Senator Kennedy about the number of released criminals who have reoffended, Peters admitted, “That number is one that we're still looking at as it relates to the recidivism rate for those that were released on the First Step Act.” Kennedy expressed disbelief at Peters' lack of knowledge on the matter, emphasizing, “And you run the Bureau of Prisons?”

Kennedy further criticized the lack of data regarding the recidivism rate, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of the First Step Act. He pointed out the disconnect between the goals of cost-saving and public safety purported by the legislation and the absence of concrete information on reoffending rates. Kennedy stated, “So, how the hell are we supposed to figure out whether it worked?”

In conclusion, Senator Kennedy expressed his astonishment at the situation, remarking, “The director let 30,000 of these folks go and can't tell me today how many have come back. It takes my breath away.” The questioning shed light on the need for greater oversight and evaluation of the outcomes of criminal justice reform initiatives like the First Step Act.