Mazurowski, Brian - Package for the Internship of the NY State Assembly
1. 2015NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
SESSION INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
IN T ERN COMMITTEE
DEBOR A H J. GLICK, CHAIR
S H E L D O N S I LV E R , S P E A K E R
An Academic Tradition
2. New York State Assembly
SESSION
INTERNSHIP
The SESSION INTERNSHIP offers college students a chance to participate in state government and the
legislative process through a well-structured academic and practical learning experience. Most colleges and
universities grant Session Interns a full semester of credit, as revalidated by the National College Credit
Recommendation Service (National CCRS). The Assembly Intern Committee awards a $4,900 stipend to
each Session Intern in the January 5, 2015 to May 13, 2015 Internship.
DEADLINE:
Applicants generally have a mid-October deadline set by their college/university liaison officer. Applicants
should check for the exact deadline with their college liaison officer. Liaison officers should submit
completed applications for all of their students to the Assembly Intern Committee with a postmark no later than
October 31, 2014.
University at Albany, State University of New York Applicants Only
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications are due by Friday, October 15, 2014 to:pp y y, ,
Ms. Karen Acosta McNeill
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education
Office of Undergraduate Education
Lecture Center 30
Phone: 518-442-3950
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must be full-time matriculated juniors and seniors in a college degree program. Upper level matriculated
students in an associates degree program are also encouraged to apply. Applicants may be from any major. All
applicants must demonstrate academic ability, intellectual curiosity and receive the positive recommendation of
their campus liaison. International students must have academic requirements in the United States to be eligible and
are expected to have proper work authorization prior to the Internship start date, January 5, 2015. Any questions
regarding eligibility or special circumstance should be addressed to the Assembly Intern Committee office.
THE INTERNSHIP:
The Assembly offers up to 150 college students an opportunity to get involved in state government and gain
firsthand knowledge of the legislative process. Interns are enrolled in a course taught by the Intern Committee
Professors-in-Residence and complete a comprehensive Orientation. They are assigned research and administrative
responsibilities in an Assembly office. Students receive an academic and practical educational experience. The
Session Internship is a comprehensive Program requiring specific academic hours.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
The following supporting documents are required of all Session Internship applicants:
✦ A personal statement (item #19 on the application).
✦ Official transcripts of all college/university courses completed and in progress. If the college/university
will not release official transcripts to students, they may be sent directly to the Assembly Intern Committee
under separate cover. The applicant should note this in the application.
continued on page 61
3. TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY IN DARK INK
1. NAME ________________________________________________________________________________________
2. PRESENT ADDRESS __________________________________________ (Apt/Box)________________________
(until ____________)
(City)_____________________________________ (State)_____________________ (Zip) ____________________
3. TELEPHONE ( )______________________________________________CELL ( )________________
4. E-MAIL ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________________
5. PERMANENT ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________________
(City)____________________________________________ (State)_____________________ (Zip) _____________
6. COUNTY_______________________________________________________________________________________
7. TELEPHONE ( )____________________________________________________________________________
8. CURRENT ACADEMIC STATUS Junior Senior Other (Please specify) _____________
9. UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL(S)
Current College/University_____________________ Previous College/University _________________________
Major _____________________________________r Major___________________________________________r
Minor _____________________________________r Minor __________________________________________r
Degree_____________________________________ Degree__________________________________________
Date Received_______________________________ Date Received____________________________________
GPA_______________________________________ GPA____________________________________________
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
AP PS T WS L:1 2 3 (E) R PC
2
APPLICATION
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY SESSION INTERNSHIP
JANUARY 5, 2015 – MAY 13, 2015
Applications and all supporting documents, including official transcripts, as described in the previous pages, must be
postmarked in a complete package by October 31, 2014. SESSION INTERNSHIP applications and all supporting
documents must be mailed by the College/University Liaison Officer to the NewYork StateAssembly Intern Committee,
Room 104A, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248.
Brian Mazurowski
315
1465 Ney Ave
Utica 13502
Oneida
bdmazurowski@gmail.com
404 1559
NY
Utica College
Cyber Security
Government and Politics
Bachelor's of Science
May 2015
4. 3
10. PLANS FOR 2015
11. ACADEMIC HONORS
12. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
13. WORK EXPERIENCE (PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR RESUME)
14. LIST THE TWO INDIVIDUALS WRITING REFERENCE LETTERS FOR THIS INTERNSHIP.
(1) _________________________________________________________________________________________
(2) _________________________________________________________________________________________
15. LIST THE NAME, PHONE, AND E-MAIL ADDRESS OF THE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY LIAISON OFFICER
PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION:
16. INDICATE THE NUMBER OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY CREDITS YOU WILL RECEIVE TOWARDS
GRADUATION UPON COMPLETION OF THIS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.
NUMBER OF CREDIT(S)___________________
ARE THE CREDITS YOU WILL RECEIVE FOR THIS SESSION INTERNSHIP REQUIRED IN ORDER FOR
YOU TO GRADUATE?
YES NO
ARE THE SESSION INTERNSHIP CREDITS BEING USED AS ELECTIVES? YES NO
FACULTY SUPERVISOR’S NAME _______________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT _______________ E-MAIL ______________________ PHONE _________________________
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY_______________________________________________________________________
I will be graduating from Utica College in August 2015. Thereafter, I will have hopefully been accepted into Law School. I have taken the LSAT in September
and will be taking it again in December. In addition, I have been preparing for the application process, so that I may have a supportive and experienced
grounding. Ultimately, striving to be in Law School by August of 2015.
Tangerine Newspaper, Writer
Occupational Criminal Justice Society, Treasurer Pre - Law Society, Member
Inter-Greek Council, Member Active Minds, Member
Student Senate, Judiciary Board Advisor Utica College Women’s Softball, Announcer
Utica College James Sherman Society: Political Science Club, Treasurer Ampersand, Published Author
Alpha Chi Rho, Utica College Chapter, Re-founding Father Utica College Programming Board, Member
Zachary Lewis, Academic Support and Internship Coordinator (Utica College)
315 792 3318
zllewis@utica.edu
5. 4
17. LISTANY PUBLIC POLICYAREAS IN WHICHYOUARE INTERESTED. INDICATE THEACADEMIC STUDIES
OR EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE PROVIDED YOU WITH THE NECESSARY BACKGROUND FOR THAT
INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENT.
18. LIST ANY PLACEMENT PREFERENCES YOU MAY HAVE, IF ANY, AND EXPLAIN YOUR REASONS FOR
THIS PREFERENCE.
19. ON THE BACK OF THIS APPLICATION, TO EVALUATE AND DETERMINE PLACEMENT, PLEASE WRITE A
PERSONAL STATEMENT OUTLININGYOUR ABILITIES, RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT HISTORY, INTEREST
IN STATE GOVERNMENT, AND WHY YOU FEEL PREPARED TO BE AN ASSEMBLY SESSION INTERN.
20. ENCLOSE A THREE PAGE ACADEMIC WRITING SAMPLE THAT ILLUSTRATES YOUR RESEARCH AND
WRITING SKILLS. THIS WRITING SAMPLE WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
21. FOR IMMEDIATE CONFIRMATION OF THE ASSEMBLY INTERN COMMITTEE’S RECEIPT OF YOUR
APPLICATION, PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
E-mail address: _____________________________________________________________
Enclosed stamped, self-addressed postcard.
22. ALL OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS TRUE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. I UNDERSTAND
THAT ALL MATERIALS SUBMITTED WITH THIS APPLICATION WILL NOT BE RETURNED AND ARE
FOR THE CONFIDENTIAL USE OF THE ASSEMBLY INTERN COMMITTEE IN CONNECTION WITH MY
ACCEPTANCE AND PLACEMENT IN THE SESSION INTERNSHIP. I HAVE ANSWERED ALL QUESTIONS AS
DIRECTED AND ENCLOSED ALL OF THE REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS. (TO ENSURE THAT
OTHER APPLICANTS RECEIVE FULL CONSIDERATION, I WILL NOTIFY THE ASSEMBLY INTERN
COMMITTEE IMMEDIATELY IF I WITHDRAW MY APPLICATION FOR ANY REASON.)
23. SIGNATURE _________________________________________________ DATE _______________________
bdmazurowski@gmail.com
Brian Mazurowski 11/6/14
7. continued on page 7
✦ Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have directly observed the applicant (in school or at
work) and can give an evaluation in one or more of the following areas: character, research skills, familiarity
with public policy issues, understanding of the governmental process, and ability to learn in a work setting.
Letters should not be requested from anyone who has not directly taught or observed the applicant. At
least one must be from a professor at the college you now attend.
✦ A letter from an appropriate college official endorsing the student’s participation and indicating the amount
of credit to be granted by the college and whether or not the student will be taking the Internship on a
“pass-fail” basis or receiving a letter grade. If this letter is written by the same person as one of the above,
it should be clearly stated as performing this dual purpose.
✦ A concise academic writing sample which provides a good indication of the student’s research and
communication abilities (item #20 on the application).
Submit Session Internship application and all supporting documents to the designated college/university liaison
officer. If you cannot locate your liaison officer, contact the Assembly Intern Committee. In this case, an appropriate
faculty member or administrator at your college/university should forward your application and supporting materials
along with a cover letter indicating the college’s/university’s academic endorsement of your participation.
Be sure to answer all of the questions thoroughly. The Assembly Intern Committee notifies applicants of their
status within two weeks of receiving their completed applications with all supporting documents. For immediate
confirmation of the Assembly’s receipt of your application, please provide an e-mail address or enclose a stamped,y p y pp , p p p ,
self-addressed postcard.p
ASSEMBLY POLICY:
For the Assembly Policy Prohibiting Fraternization with Student Interns, please visit our website:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/internship/
HOURS AND STIPEND:
Interns spend a minimum of 30 hours, exclusive of academic course requirements, at the Capitol each week
completing their Assembly assignments. The Assembly Intern Committee provides a $4,900 stipend to help cover
expenses.
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT AND COLLEGE CREDIT:
The Assembly Session Internship includes an academic component beginning with a four-day Orientation to state
government and the legislative process. Each student is enrolled in the course, “Politics and Policy in the NewYork
State Legislative Process,” taught by the Assembly’s Intern Committee Professors-in-Residence. Some required
reading materials are made available to Session Interns by theAssembly Intern Committee. The Faculty also provides
supervision and research advisement through individual meetings and group discussions with Interns during which
their progress is monitored. Mid-Session and Final Student Evaluations are sent to college/university liaison officers.
Comprehensive Program – Since the Internship is a comprehensive, semester-long Program, students are strongly–
advised not to enroll in additional courses. Interns with specific additional academic requirements should receive
written or explicit approval from the Assembly Intern Office prior to the start of the 2015 Session Internship year.
Orientation – Includes sessions on legislative research, the role of legislative staff and interns, legislative/executive
relations, political parties in the Legislature, communication skills, the legislative process and budget.
Issue Forums – Attendance is required and calculated in grade evaluations. The forums are designed to complement
the academic Internship curriculum. Experts in areas of government and academia join legislators in presenting
a review of the legislative process. Lecture topics include the State budget, the economy, education and criminal
justice. Issue Policy Forums are scheduled on Mondays and/or Tuesdays including evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:30
pm. Please visit the Issue Forums at our website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/internship/.
continued from page 1
6
8. 7
Mock Session is held in the Assembly Chamber at the end of the Session Internship, representing the culmination
of the academic learning experience. Mock session will be at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in the Assembly
Chamber.
National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS) has revalidated the Session Internship:
“In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 15 semester hours in appropriate departments or as general
elective credit” for participation in the Session Internship. To view a copy of the 2012 National CCRS credit
revalidation, please visit the New York State Assembly Internship Program website at http://assembly.state.
ny.us/internship/.
PLACEMENTS:
All placements are made by the Assembly Intern Committee in January. They relate to the student’s academic
background, abilities and interests to the extent that these are compatible with Assembly needs. Every attempt is
made to provide Interns with their stated policy preference or with a comparable placement. Specific assignment
responsibilities evolve from a work/learning contract, which is negotiated by the Intern and Supervisor once
placements begin.
Interns’assignments inAssemblymember offices or with research staffs consist of a variety of responsibilities. Short-
term research and responding to constituent mail are frequent assignments. Often the two are closely integrated
with constituent questions leading to research projects. Interns keep track of bills moving through the legislative
process. Some routine duties are always part of the functions of an Assembly office. Bill memo preparation and
statistical analysis are also common assignments. Interns frequently attend and report on committee meetings,
public hearings and Assembly Sessions.
HOUSING:
The Assembly Intern Committee does not provide housing for Interns. Following acceptance into the Session
Internship Program, Interns in need of housing are encouraged to utilize resources at their home campus and local
academic institutions and libraries, i.e., University at Albany.
If you have any questions, call or write the Assembly Intern Committee as follows: 518-455-4704,
E-mail address: intern@assembly.state.ny.us Website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/internship/
The New York State Assembly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The New York State Assembly Intern Committee
seeks to attract to its Internships qualified persons of diverse backgrounds, and pursuant to this policy, no applicant
is discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability,
domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, or military status. A copy of the
Assembly’s Affirmative Action Policy is available upon request.
continued from page 6
S H E L D O N S I L V E R , S P E A K E R
INTERN COMMITTEE
DEB ORAH J. GLICK, CHAIR
9. Brian Mazurowski
Re: Personal Statement for the New York State Assembly Internship
To whom it may concern,
In a Universe where competition is imperative for the everyday life it has become
progressively difficult to calculate the success of a life. In addition, questions arise when success
can be tangible or intangible. The factors to be considered are inevitably boundless to determine
a successful life. Maybe, instead we follow the standards of Albert Einstein when he said, “Try
not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” However, the question
then becomes, how do we appropriately evaluate values of life?
Reviewing my life as a Utica College student, it has been consistent and full of many
successes, and values. On the other hand, I have also dealt with mistakes and expenses.
Academically, I took longer to achieve what others may have accomplished in four years.
However, I have achieved an extraordinary amount of accomplishments for the college that
many have not.
In my time, I have been the Utica College mascot in which I also performed in a NCAA
tournament game, I have been a morning radio DJ for 90.7fm WPNR, a prestigious college radio
station. In addition to this, I have re-founded a fraternity at Utica College, who now has the most
presence and membership at the college. All the while, dealing with working fulltime, being
vagrant and dealing with the loss of immediate family. Moreover, I have made lifelong
friendships with, my peers, faculty and administration at Utica College.
These successes may not justify my academic lengthiness, however they do account for
value and originality. As a student, I may not have the highest GPA or lived a life without error,
but I have shown a substantial amount of innovativeness and imagination. More so, I reason that
a life without mistakes is a life without experience. An experience is an attribute I have acquired,
opposed to my competition.
Therefore, I am perseverant in proclaiming that the competition in the New York State
Assembly Internship Program is vast, however I whole-heartedly believe I have the skills and
experience to succeed and accomplish the goals set forth. I concede that I may not have the
highest GPA, although my time and energy was converted into experience and value. Although, I
have acknowledged my faults, my time and energy … as Frank Sinatra’s lyrics insist, “Regrets,
I've had a few but then again, too few to mention … But I did it my way.”
10. Research Paper Mazurowski 1
Recidivism Rates and the Detrimental Effect on Today’s America
An Inside Look of Strategic Goals on Reducing Chronic Offenders
Brian Mazurowski
11. Research Paper Mazurowski 2
Thesis: Recidivism rates can be maintained with strategies from controlling low risk offenders
and parole/probation violators that cost less and are more effective than prisons
I. Introduction
II. Prisons
a. Reasons for Recidivism
i. New Crime
ii. Parole Violation
III. The Pew/ASCA Survey
a. Recidivism Rate
i. Drug Offense
ii. Property Offense
iii. Violent Offense
IV. Bureau of Justice Statistics
a. Recidivism Rate
i. Drug Offense
ii. Property Offense
iii. Violent Offense
V. How Recidivism Differs in States
a. New York
b. Florida
12. Research Paper Mazurowski 3
VI. Strategies
a. Managing Violations
b. Supervision Agencies
c. Parole Policies
d. Lower Correctional Costs
e. Downsizing
VII. Breaking the Recidivism Cycle
a. Coordination of Services
b. Evidence Based Programs
c. Incentives
d. Offender Transition
e. Programming
f. Substance Abuse Services
g. Progressive Sanctions
h. Parole and Probation
i. Law Enforcement
ii. Social Work
i. Prospect of Rewards
VIII. Conclusion
13. Research Paper Mazurowski 4
As we review through three decades of recidivism rates of prisoners ranging from the
1980’s to the 1990’s and 2000’s, it is obvious to see that there are various factors that play an
important role that ultimately persuade the rates to differ throughout the decades. The recidivism
rates might depend on the state and the states release policies, or on the other hand they might
differ on a racial level. In addition, as we observe women recidivism, it might become apparent
that women may be victims first and then later become an offender. Another factor on recidivism
rates is what kind of influence, such as drugs or alcohol, was an offender on when they
committed the crime.
First, in order to understand recidivism rates, we must first observe the facilities that
contain the prisoners. Prisons have more than one purpose, including but not limited to
retribution for breaking the law, separating offenders from society so they may not commit more
crimes, it’s used as deterrence to the public to not commit crimes and discouraging incarcerated
offenders from committing new crimes once they are released (PEW, 2011). And although
prisons are suppose to deter criminals from committing more crimes, that deterrence is not
always effective.
Examining this problem with recidivism rates, we find that offenders return to prison for
one of two reasons. The first reason for the revisit is committing a new crime that results in a
new conviction or the second for technical violation of supervision, which may include not
reporting to their parole or probation officer or failing a drug test (PEW, 2011).
The Pew/ASCA survey in 2011, found the three year return to prison rate for inmates
released in 1983 estimated a national recidivism rate of 41.4 percent.
14. Research Paper Mazurowski 5
This was substantially lower compared to the 1999 recidivism rate which was a 45.4 percent.
Also comparing to the 43.3 percent for those released in 2004. Therefore, the recidivism rate had
dropped during 1990 to 2004. Across the 33 states that participated in the survey reported for
both periods (1999 and 2004), the recidivism rate declined slightly, dropping 4.8 percent
between the years (PEW, 2011). In addition, nearly 33 percent of State prison releases in 1999
were drug offenders, 25 percent were violent offenders and 31 percent were property offenders
(Wilson & Hughes, 2004). Hence, many of the crimes committed that resulted in incarceration
may even me considered petty.
On the overhand, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2004, overall recidivism
rates did not change significantly from 1983 to 1994 (Wilson & Hughes, 2004). Among,
prisoners released in 1983, 46.8 percent were reconvicted within three years compared to 46.9
percent among those released in 1994 (Wilson & Hughes, 2004). From 1983 to 1994, recidivism
rates remained stable for the released offenders. Violent offenders decreased from 41.9 percent
to 39.9 percent (Wilson & Hughes, 2004). Property offenders increased from 53 percent to 53.4
percent. Public order offenders increased from 41.5 percent to 42 percent (Wilson & Hughes,
2004).
Among drug offenders, the rate of recidivism increased significantly, going from 35.3
percent in 1983 to 47 percent in 1994 (Wilson & Hughes, 2004). The 1994 recidivism study
estimated that within three years, 51.8 percent of prisoners released during the year were back in
prison either because of a new crime for which they received another prison sentence, or because
of a technical violation of their parole. This rate was not calculated in the 1983 study (Wilson &
15. Research Paper Mazurowski 6
Hughes, 2004). In addition, 67.5 percent of prisoners released in 1994 were rearrested within 3
years, an increase over the 62.5 percent found for those released in 1983 (Wilson & Hughes,
2004). In addition, 67.5 percent of prisoners released in 1994 were rearrested within 3 years, an
increase over the 62.5 percent found for those released in 1983 (Wilson & Hughes, 2004).
Rearrest rate for property offenders, drug offenders, and public-order offenders increased
significantly from 1983 to 1994 (Wilson & Hughes, 2004). During that time, the rearrest rate
increased (Wilson & Hughes, 2004). Property offenders increased from 68.1 percent to 73.8
percent. Drug offenders increased from 50.4 percent to 66.7 percent (Wilson & Hughes, 2004).
Public order offenders increased from 54.6 percent to 62.2 percent. However the rearrest rate for
violent offenders remained relatively stable (59.6 percent in 1983 compared to 61.7 percent in
1994) (Wilson & Hughes, 2004). Among State parole discharges in 2000, 41 percent
successfully completed their term of supervision (relatively unchanged since 1990) (Wilson &
Hughes, 2004).
Breaking the numbers down further, 19.9 percent of all released offenders were re-
incarcerated for a new crime and 25.5 percent were returned for a technical violation of
supervision in 2004 (PEW, 2011). In 2002, 41 percent of jail inmates had a current or prior
violent offense; 46 percent were nonviolent recidivists; 13 percent had a current or prior drug
offense only (James, 2002). Although this is the national rates of recidivism, individually states
may differ with their own rates of crime.
An example would be Florida and New York State which began the twenty-first century
with nearly the same size prison population (about 70,000 inmates). Following the next decade,
16. Research Paper Mazurowski 7
Florida had added 30,000 inmates and totaling to a 100,000 convicts (PEW, 2011). Meanwhile,
in New York, the prison population fell below 60,000. Oddly enough, the crime rate dropped in
both states by about the same rate (PEW, 2011). Despite a nearly two decade decline in national
crime rates, the rate of re-incarceration for a new crime among those persons released from
prison increased by 11.9 percent between the two time periods in this study (PEW, 2011).
However, this increase was offset by a 17.7 percent drop in the rate of offenders returned for a
technical violation (PEW, 2011). At a closer look, New York’s crime drop was slightly larger at
a 29.2 percent compared with Florida’s 28.2 percent (PEW, 2011). Therefore, this leads me to
believe that New York might have addressed better policy making to reduce recidivism rates,
than Florida.
In addition, a low recidivism rate does not always reflect the use of sound release
preparation and supervision strategies (PEW, 2011). By contrast, they also may be the by-
product of a wide range of other factors such as policies that send low-risk offenders to prison
instead of granting probation, which is likely to result in a low rate of reoffending but at a higher
cost (PEW, 2011). States such as this, that send comparatively low risk offenders to prison are
likely to see lower re-arrest and violation rates compared with states that concentrate prison
space on more dangerous offenders (PEW, 2011).
If, for example, a state incarcerates a large proportion of lower risk offenders, then its
recidivism rate might be comparatively low, because such offenders would be, by definition, less
a risk to return to prison.
17. Research Paper Mazurowski 8
A state with a larger percentage of serious offenders behind bars, on the other hand, might
experience higher rates of re-incarceration when those offenders return to the community (PEW,
2011). How a state manages violations is key to understanding recidivism rates as well. States
that have shorter periods of post-prison supervision may have lower rates of revocation to prison,
because their offenders must comply with supervision rules for shorter periods (PEW, 2011).
Second, the ability of supervision agencies to detect violations and how they respond to
such violations has a substantial impact on recidivism rates. Detection can depend on caseload
sizes; the number and complexity of the rules and programs with which offenders must comply;
the availability of drug testing and GPS and other monitoring systems; and the strength of the
relationships that officers have wit offenders’ families and communities (PEW, 2011).
Another variable in the mix is a state’s fundamental parole policy. In some states where
offenders serve 85 percent or more of their prison terms, there are proportionally fewer people on
parole, because inmates will have at most 15 percent of their sentence left after release. Fewer
parolees translate into fewer violations, and therefore a lower recidivism rate (PEW, 2011).
On the other hand, many states are also trying to lower correctional costs and yet still try
and keep recidivism rates low. The vast majority of states recently made or plan on making cuts
to personnel and programs to save money (PEW, 2011). A recent survey of state corrections
departments by Vera Institute of Justice showed that 32 states have implanted staff reductions or
hiring freezes, and 22 states have eliminated programs or instituted cut-backs (PEW, 2011).
18. Research Paper Mazurowski 9
In addition to saving, states are also trying to reduce the number of prison beds and
closing facilities, reining in food service costs, investing in technology to streamline and improve
institutional surveillance, cutting back on inmate transportation costs and improving energy
efficiency in facilities (PEW, 2011).
Moreover, many states are updating the dollar threshold for various property crimes,
realizing they have not been adjusted since the 1960s, while others are modifying penalties for
drug crimes, including making more offenders eligible for prison alternatives, other states are
instituting or changing earned-time credit incentives for inmates (PEW, 2011).
Almost all states have under way a variety of efforts to break the cycle of recidivism.
However this objective is not an easy one. As, recidivism rates can be influenced by larger social
and economic forces (PEW, 2011). Therefore, to improve correctional policy and practice, many
of these initiatives involve coordination of offender services with other government agencies,
such as health and housing, and community- and faith –based organizations (PEW, 2011) .
Taking a closer look at ethnicity more than 6 in 10 persons in local jails in 2002 were
racial or ethnic minorities, unchanged from 1996. An estimated 40 percent were black; 19
percent Hispanic, 1 percent American Indian; 1 percent Asian; and 3 percent of more than one
race/ethnicity (James, 2002). Over half of the women in jail said they had been physically or
sexually abused in the past, compared to over a tenth of men (James, 2002).
Research shows that the largest reductions in recidivism are realized when evidence
based programs and practices are implanted in prisons and govern there supervision of
19. Research Paper Mazurowski 10
probationers and parolees in the community post-release (PEW, 2011). Furthermore the study
indicates that this strong implementation of evidence-based practices and programs can reduce
recidivism rates by 50 percent (PEW, 2011).
So in resolution for the high recidivism rates, studies attack the current mentality of the
prison system. Although America’s prisons were aimed at rehabilitation, in the twentieth century
the mission became command and control (PEW, 2011). Therefore, they were to keep inmates
inside of the walls and prevent riots, meet constitutionally minimal standards of confinement and
make sure staff is safe (PEW, 2011). Furthermore, by offering incentives to agencies that reach
defined targets, states can promote changes and practices and agency culture that lead to positive
results for ex-offenders and improve public safety (PEW, 2011).
In addition, little has been done for an offender’s transition from prison back to the
community. After an offender is released, there is not much alleviation from the public to
reinstate the ex-convict into society. While the impulse from the public to do the bare minimum
may have reflected public sentiment, it does not help rehabilitate the criminal and does not
enhance public safety (PEW, 2011).
This transition process for the released offender should begin with a thorough screening
and assessment at intake to identify potentially urgent needs, such as substance abuse treatment
and mental health services (PEW, 2011). The assessment should guide a case management plan
during incarceration that uses evidence based programming tailored to each offender’s criminal
risk factors (PEW, 2011).
20. Research Paper Mazurowski 11
Decades of research have produced ample evidence and professional consensus about which case
management strategies most effectively reduce recidivism and improve public safety (PEW,
2011).
Effective community supervision begins with validated risk and needs assessments, the
accurate categorization of offenders by their risk of reoffending the development and
implementation of case plans based on an individual’s needs and risk of reoffending (PEW,
2011). Failing to match treatment with an offender’s risk level can, in fact, have serious
consequences. Research shows, for example, that putting lower risk offenders in intensive
programming actually increases their recidivism rates (PEW, 2011). Evidence based
interventions targeting offenders with a moderate to high right of committing new crimes
produce better outcomes for both the offenders and the community (PEW, 2011).
Programming also is key, as research demonstrates that a combination of surveillance and
treatment is more effective at reducing recidivism than reliance on monitoring and control alone.
Supervision can improve public safety and individual outcomes while maximizing the use of
scarce correctional dollars by focusing on high risk offenders and incorporating critical
community based mental health and substance abuse services, education and employment
assistance (PEW, 2011). Substance abuse services would be a major positive because studies
show many of these offenders struggle with addictions. Among convicted inmates, alcohol use at
the time of the offense dropped from 41 percent (1196) to 33 percent (2002), while drug use
dropped from 35 percent to 29 percent (James, 2002). In addition 56 percent of jail inmates said
they grew up in a single parent household or with a guardian, About 1 in 9 had lived in a foster
home or institution (James, 2002). Moreover, 31 percent of jail
21. Research Paper Mazurowski 12
inmates grew up with a parent or guardian who abused alcohol or drugs; 46 percent had a family
member who had been incarcerated (James, 2002).
Progressive sanctions that hold the offender accountable and keep them in the community
and therefore connected to family and employment can be just as effective, if not more effective,
than a costly revocation (PEW, 2011). When using these sanctions, agencies should ensure their
officers respond to violations swiftly with consequences that are proportional to seriousness of
the wrongdoing (PEW, 2011).
There has been a long debate of whether parole and probation agencies should tilt more
toward law enforcement or social work (PEW, 2011). The result is a system that tries to do both,
and ends up being mainly reactive, waiting for offenders to break the rules and then figuring out
how to punish them (PEW, 2011). In addition there is evidence supporting the parole and
probation insufficiency. From 1990 to 2002, the state parole population grew at a slower rate
than the State prison population (PEW, 2011). The low rate of growth in parole supervision
relative to the growth in the prison population reflects changes in sentencing and parole release
policies that have resulted in increasing lengths of stay in prison and declining prison release
rates (Wilson & Hughes, 2004).
Research has shown that offenders, just like everyone else, respond better to the prospect
of rewards than the fear of punishment (PEW, 2011). Behavioral incentives, such as offering ex-
offenders the opportunity to reduce the length of their supervision terms can motivate them to
obtain and hold a job, stay sober and in treatment, abide by other conditions of release and avoid
new crimes (PEW, 2011). In addition to promoting positive behavior by offenders, earned time
22. Research Paper Mazurowski 13
credits help clear low risk offenders from caseloads so supervision agencies can focus on higher
risk parolees and on the critical period immediately following release (PEW, 2011).
Recent research and the experience of several states now make it clear that there are
strategies for controlling low risk offenders and those who break the rules of their supervision
that cost less and are more effective (PEW, 2011). Increasingly, lawmakers around the country
are recognizing that aggressive recidivism reduction is a smarter approach to curbing corrections
costs and protecting public safety. At least 95 percent of inmates in America ultimately will be
released and returned to the community (PEW, 2011). Keeping them crime and drug free is no
easy assignment. Many offenders lacked education, work experience, family support and a stable
living situation before they were incarcerated, and many suffer from mental illness or a history of
addiction. Once released, offenders have the added stigma of a prison record, a considerable
barrier to employment (PEW, 2011). Moreover, the parole and probation agencies charged with
supervising them often are burdened with high caseloads and outdated technologies (PEW,
2011).
Therefore, based on the facts provided, it is clear to see that states struggle with the
affordability of prisons and adequate supervision systems. However even if there was not a fiscal
crisis, research has proven that the experience of several states now make it clear that there are
strategies for controlling low risk offenders and parole/probation violators that cost less and are
more effective. In conclusion there are many factors for adjusting the recidivism rate. America’s
criminal justice system can be compared to what Winston Churchill said about Democracy, “It
has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have
been tried.”
23. Research Paper Mazurowski 14
References
James J.J. (2004).Profile of Jail Inmates, 2002. Bureau of Justice Statistics.
The PEW Center on the States. (2011).
Wilson D.R., & Hughes T. (2004).Reentry Trends in the United States; Inmates returning to the
community after serving time in prison. Bureau of Justice Statistics.
27. Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.
500 Avery Lane
Rome, NY 13441
Tel 1 315 330 2683
Fax 1 315 338 7799
To Whom It May Concern:
I am happy to offer this letter of recommendation for Brian Mazurowski. I am pleased
that Brian has elected to further his educational endeavors by applying for the New York State
Assembly Internship Program. However, this decision does not come as a surprise; rather it
serves as a testament to Brian’s personal drive and pursuit for success.
I have known Brian for the past seven (7) years and have had the pleasure of knowing
him in several capacities. As a part time faculty member at Utica College, I have good
perspective on the nature of the student body. Brian clearly sets himself apart from his
contemporaries in a number of ways.
Principally, Brian demonstrates an unparalleled work ethic. There are few young men
that I know of that can juggle multiple jobs, a full course load, extracurricular activities and
family obligations in the manner that Brian can. Despite his demanding schedule, Brian is able
to meet his obligations and maintain a high level of enthusiasm. When faced with obstacles,
Brian consistently responds with a positive attitude and a charismatic professionalism that is
well beyond his years. It is clear that Brian has the ability to balance any workload while still
offering significant contributions anywhere he invests his time.
Brian also exhibits a zeal for learning that is unmatched by his peers. Brian has taken a
particular interest in my work as a Department of Defense security consultant to supplement
his classroom learning. Specifically, Brian and I have discussed the role of cyber crime in the
modern era and its inherent legal and geopolitical issues. Brian quickly synthesizes our
discussions and moves forward with his own research. In each subsequent meeting with Brian,
I am amazed at how rapid and aggressive this young man is to acquire new information and
share what he knows. The end result is a candidate that is self-sufficient, highly-capable, and
responsible.
Brian’s work ethic and enthusiasm for learning are indicative of his personal integrity
and value system. He is a solid young man who deserves an appealing opportunity such as this.
I am confident that if he is selected for New York State Assembly Internship Program he will
undoubtedly exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Eric D. Ozanam
Senior Cyber Intelligence Consultant
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.
315-542-1817
29. Jeffrey R. Sweet
1840 Crompond Road
Apt. 7B6
Peekskill, New York 10566
914-739-0218
914-261-7159
November 12, 2014
Re: Brian Mazurowski
To Whom It May Concern:
I am formerly Vice Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Board and served in State
government from 1995 to 2006. Previously, I was part of the administrative staff of the
Westchester Medical Center for nearly 25 years.
I write in support of Brian Mazurowski, whom I know as an undergraduate of Utica
College, which I also attended. We are members of the same college fraternity, Alpha
Chi Rho. I have known him two years and have been very impressed with this young
person who seeks an internship with the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission.
Brian impresses me as a person of diverse interests and resourcefulness. His major is
Cyber Security with an emphasis on forensic investigations. Brian is now in the process
of applying to law school. He was also a Clerk for Utica City Judge Ralph J. Eannace,
himself a former Member of the Assembly and Oneida County Executive.
It is my observation that he is a bright, energetic and well regarded individual, and I
recommend him for this internship wholeheartedly.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey R. Sweet
