George Kevin Jordan, AFRO
Wesley Bell laughs during his speech after being sworn in as St. Louis County Prosecutor during a New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 01, 2019 in St. Louis, Mo. Between jokes Bell took a serious note, stating there is a lot of work that needs to be done. Photo by Colter Peterson. Featured Image
Wesley Bell laughs during his speech after being sworn in as St. Louis County Prosecutor during a New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 01, 2019 in St. Louis, Mo. Between jokes Bell took a serious note, stating there is a lot of work that needs to be done. Photo by Colter Peterson. Featured Image
In 2019 organizations that supported the recently passed First Step Act, which helps reform the prison system, are calling for proper implementation and transparency, officials said.
“I think the take away from folks supporting and opposing this bill is that it’s well titled – in that it’s the first step,” said Ryan King, director of Research and Policy at the Justice Policy Institute. “I think it’s been a continuous piece of legislation even within the community of people working in criminal justice reform.”
On Dec. 18 after a rare bipartisan push from senators across the aisle the First Step Act was passed.
