Connecticut Democrats support reform to the criminal-legal system that ensures and enforces fair and equitable treatment for all, especially our Black and Hispanic neighbors that have been overpoliced and over sentenced. We believe reform must incorporate every aspect of the criminal-legal system, including what we choose to criminalize, the practices and behavior of law enforcement professionals; charging, sentencing, and bail; treatment of those incarcerated; diversion and rehabilitation; and the full reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into our neighborhoods.

Over policing and over sentencing, predominantly impacting Black and Hispanic people, not only disrupts communities but it fractures families. Connecticut Democrats support reform to the criminal-legal system that ensures and enforces fair and equitable treatment for everyone and repairs the decades of harm caused by arresting and sentencing.

We are committed to ensuring children and young people are appropriately diverted away from the legal system toward care, treatment, and supportive services, and ensuring law enforcement officials are held to the highest standard of public trust.

We recognize the sacrifices that law enforcement, firefighters and other public safety personnel make to keep us safe. We support efforts to increase occupational mortality for public safety personnel and ensure that they have a good pay, healthcare and retirement.

In a state that has been deeply impacted by gun violence, we maintain that the Office of Firearm Injury Prevention continues its work in partnership with the very communities it supports.

There is no justice without compassion. And a compassionate approach prioritizes keeping families whole and offering paths to reentry. Connecticut Democrats believe that all people inherently deserve a second chance.

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