2015N E W Y O R K S T A T E A S S E M B L Y

SESSION INTERNSHIP APPLICATION

I N T E R N C O M M I T T E ED E B O R A H J . G L I C K , C H A I R

S H E L D O N S I L V E R , S P E A K E R

An Academic Tradition

New York State Assembly

SESSIONINTERNSHIP

The SESSION INTERNSHIP offers college students a chance to participate in state government and thelegislative process through a well-structured academic and practical learning experience. Most colleges anduniversities 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 toeach 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 thanOctober 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 McNeillAssistant Dean of Undergraduate Education

Offi ce of Undergraduate EducationLecture Center 30

Phone: 518-442-3950

ELIGIBILITY:Applicants must be full-time matriculated juniors and seniors in a college degree program. Upper level matriculatedstudents in an associates degree program are also encouraged to apply. Applicants may be from any major. Allapplicants 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 andare expected to have proper work authorization prior to the Internship start date, January 5, 2015. Any questionsregarding eligibility or special circumstance should be addressed to the Assembly Intern Committee offi ce.

THE INTERNSHIP:The Assembly offers up to 150 college students an opportunity to get involved in state government and gainfi rsthand knowledge of the legislative process. Interns are enrolled in a course taught by the Intern CommitteeProfessors-in-Residence and complete a comprehensive Orientation. They are assigned research and administrativeresponsibilities in an Assembly offi ce. Students receive an academic and practical educational experience. TheSession Internship is a comprehensive Program requiring specifi c academic hours.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:The following supporting documents are required of all Session Internship applicants:

✦ A personal statement (item #19 on the application).

✦ Offi cial transcripts of all college/university courses completed and in progress. If the college/university will not release offi cial transcripts to students, they may be sent directly to the Assembly Intern Committeeunder separate cover. The applicant should note this in the application.

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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

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APPLICATIONNEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY SESSION INTERNSHIP

JANUARY 5, 2015 – MAY 13, 2015Applications and all supporting documents, including offi cial transcripts, as described in the previous pages, must bepostmarked in a complete package by October 31, 2014. SESSION INTERNSHIP applications and all supportingdocuments must be mailed by the College/University Liaison Offi cer to the New York State Assembly Intern Committee, Room 104A, Legislative Offi ce Building, Albany, New York 12248.

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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 TOWARDSGRADUATION UPON COMPLETION OF THIS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

NUMBER OF CREDIT(S) ___________________

ARE THE CREDITS YOU WILL RECEIVE FOR THIS SESSION INTERNSHIP REQUIRED IN ORDER FORYOU 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 _______________________________________________________________________

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17. LIST ANY PUBLIC POLICY AREAS IN WHICH YOU ARE INTERESTED. INDICATE THE ACADEMIC STUDIESOR EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE PROVIDED YOU WITH THE NECESSARY BACKGROUND FOR THATINTERNSHIP 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 APERSONAL STATEMENT OUTLINING YOUR ABILITIES, RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT HISTORY, INTERESTIN 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 ANDWRITING SKILLS. THIS WRITING SAMPLE WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

21. FOR IMMEDIATE CONFIRMATION OF THE ASSEMBLY INTERN COMMITTEE’S RECEIPT OF YOURAPPLICATION, 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 UNDERSTANDTHAT ALL MATERIALS SUBMITTED WITH THIS APPLICATION WILL NOT BE RETURNED AND AREFOR THE CONFIDENTIAL USE OF THE ASSEMBLY INTERN COMMITTEE IN CONNECTION WITH MYACCEPTANCE AND PLACEMENT IN THE SESSION INTERNSHIP. I HAVE ANSWERED ALL QUESTIONS ASDIRECTED AND ENCLOSED ALL OF THE REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS. (TO ENSURE THATOTHER APPLICANTS RECEIVE FULL CONSIDERATION, I WILL NOTIFY THE ASSEMBLY INTERNCOMMITTEE IMMEDIATELY IF I WITHDRAW MY APPLICATION FOR ANY REASON.)

23. SIGNATURE _________________________________________________ DATE _______________________

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✦ 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, familiaritywith 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 offi cial 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 andcommunication abilities (item #20 on the application).

Submit Session Internship application and all supporting documents to the designated college/university liaisonoffi cer. If you cannot locate your liaison offi cer, contact the Assembly Intern Committee. In this case, an appropriatefaculty member or administrator at your college/university should forward your application and supporting materialsalong 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 notifi es applicants of their status within two weeks of receiving their completed applications with all supporting documents. For immediateconfi rmation 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 stategovernment and the legislative process. Each student is enrolled in the course, “Politics and Policy in the New York State Legislative Process,” taught by the Assembly’s Intern Committee Professors-in-Residence. Some requiredreading materials are made available to Session Interns by the Assembly Intern Committee. The Faculty also provides supervision and research advisement through individual meetings and group discussions with Interns during whichtheir progress is monitored. Mid-Session and Final Student Evaluations are sent to college/university liaison offi cers.

Comprehensive Program – Since the Internship is a comprehensive, semester-long Program, students are strongly–advised not to enroll in additional courses. Interns with specifi c additional academic requirements should receivewritten or explicit approval from the Assembly Intern Offi ce prior to the start of the 2015 Session Internship year.

Orientation – Includes sessions on legislative research, the role of legislative staff and interns, legislative/executiverelations, 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 presentinga review of the legislative process. Lecture topics include the State budget, the economy, education and criminaljustice. Issue Policy Forums are scheduled on Mondays and/or Tuesdays including evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:30pm. Please visit the Issue Forums at our website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/internship/.

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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 AssemblyChamber.

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 generalelective 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 academicbackground, 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. Specifi c assignment responsibilities evolve from a work/learning contract, which is negotiated by the Intern and Supervisor onceplacements begin.

Interns’ assignments in Assemblymember offi ces 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 integratedwith constituent questions leading to research projects. Interns keep track of bills moving through the legislativeprocess. Some routine duties are always part of the functions of an Assembly offi ce. Bill memo preparation andstatistical 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 SessionInternship Program, Interns in need of housing are encouraged to utilize resources at their home campus and localacademic 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 Committeeseeks to attract to its Internships qualifi ed 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 theAssembly’s Affi rmative Action Policy is available upon request.

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S H E L D O N S I L V E R , S P E A K E R

I N T E R N C O M M I T T E ED E B O R A H J . G L I C K , C H A I R

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.”

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

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

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

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.

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 &

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,

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.

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).

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

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).

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

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

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.”

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.

 

BRIANMAZUROWSKI1465NeyAvenue,Utica,NY13502

315.404.1559bdmazurowski@gmail.com

OBJECTIVETosecureaninternshipintheNewYorkStateAssembly,wheremyacademicbackgroundandexperiencewillallowmetoassistinmeetingthegoalsofanorganization.Ultimately,leadingtoapositivegrowthwithintheorganizationanditsresources.EDUCATIONUticaCollege,Utica,NYAugust2015BachelorofScience,Cybersecurity&InformationAssuranceConcentration,CybercrimeInvestigation&Forensics/Pre‐LawMinorinGovernmentandPoliticsRELEVANTCOURSEWORKIntermediateAlgebra‐Operationwithpolynomials,solutionofequationsandverbalproblems,exponentsandradicals,quadraticequations,systemsoflinearequations,graphingtechniques.BasicStatistics‐Probabilitytheorytopics,binomialdistribution,normaldistribution,descriptivestatistics,frequencydistribution,measuresofcentraltendency,hypothesistesting.Confidenceintervals,correlation,andprediction.ElementsofActing‐Stagebusinessandmovements,theatricalprojection,correlationofbodyandvoice,relationofthebodytomoodsandemotions,andtheapplicationoftheseelementstoindividualandensemblescenework.ComputerHardwareandPeripherals‐Computerhardwareandperipheralsandotherdigitalmediausedincommissionofcyber‐crimes.Hands‐onexaminationofdevices,includingbuilding,configuring,upgrading,troubleshooting,diagnosis,andrepair.EconomicCrimeTheory‐Typologyofeconomiccrime.Studyoftheory,causation,andvictimizationrelatingtoeconomiccrimes.HomelandSecurityandCounterTerrorismAmerica'sNationalCriticalInfrastructures‐Safeguardingandmanagingthemwhenunderthreat.Keyassetidentification,threatandvulnerabilityanalysis,riskassessmentandmanagement,crisisandconsequencemanagement,andrelatedCounterTerrorismtechnologies.Defense,government‐wide,andnon‐governmentinformationsystems.Importanceofstrategicandcontingencyplanning,systemsintegration,andinformationsharing.ModernTechniquesinCrimeInvestigation‐Theoryandpracticeofmoderninvestigationmethodsforpublicandprivatesectoragencies.Techniquesandproceduresforevidencecollection,preservation,andpresentation.Reviewsinvestigationresources,includingcrimelaboratoryanddatabases.InformationSecurity‐Protectionofproprietaryinformationinboththecorporateandgovernmentsectors.Topicsinclude:informationasaresource,legalissues,policyformulation,administrativeandtechnicalremedies,andcasestudies.CybercrimeLawandInvestigations‐Cybercrimes,includingcomputercrimes,Internetfraud,e‐commerce,andthreatstothenationalinfrastructure.Policies,legalissues,andinvestigativetechniquesandstrategies,andimplicationsforinvestigationandenforcementonaglobalscale.InformationPrivacy‐Principlesofprivacyrelatingtonon‐publicpersonalinformationandproprietarybusinessorgovernmentinformation,includingpolicyissues;legal,regulatoryandbusinesscontrols;andbestpractices.CyberCrimeInvestigationsandForensicsI‐Intrusiondetectionmethodologies,toolsandapproachestoincidentresponse.Computerforensicprinciples,includingoperatingsystemconcepts,registrystructures,filesystemconcepts,bootprocess,andfileoperations.Introductiontoforensictools.

BrianMazurowskip.2APPLICABLEQUALIFICATIONS/SKILLSFamiliarwithgovernmentclassifications,levelsofsecurityclearanceandclassificationofgovernmentaldocumentsSkilledatcaptivating,analyzing,anddocumentingfingerprintdataExcellentverbal,written,andinterpersonalcommunicationskillsDetailorientedwithsoundanalyticalskillsStrongmotivationtosucceedinthecybersecurityindustryConversantintheSpanishandArabiclanguagesU.S.DepartmentofJusticeCertifiedinCollectingDNAEvidenceatPropertyCrimeScenes,andCrimeSceneInvestigationEXPERIENCECityofUtica,Utica,NYMay2014‐PresentCityCourtClerkIntern

Assistedinallaspectsoffilingdocketsandrunningtickets,observedtrialsandhearingsfortrial,satinonalternativesentencinghearings

AssistedintheorganizationandcreationofapanelforthehubcourtUticaBrewers,UticaNYMay2013‐PresentUticaCollegeStudentActivities,UticaNYSeptember2008‐PresentMascot

Engagefansbyusingoutgoingsocialskillsandreadingindividualcuestocreateanexciting,funatmosphere forPGCBLbaseballgamesandUticaCollegeteameventsWPNR,UticaNYAugust2012‐PresentMorningShowDJ

Hostmorningradioshow,introducenewmusic,provideinformationonlocalandnationalnews,onandoffcampusevents,andpresentonairguests

USCensusBureau,UticaNYApril‐August2010CrewLeaderAssistant

Assistedintheprocessofcompletingallemploymentdocumentationincludingfingerprintingfornewhires Gatheredandanalyzedenumerations,confirmedaccuracybycrosschecks,andprovidedaccuratedatato

CrewLeaderonatimelybasis Usedeffectivecommunicationskillsinexplainingthepurposeofthecensustoindividualswhowere

reluctanttoprovideinformationKevinFayeKitchens,UticaNYOctober2008‐August2010CabinetDeliveryman

Loadedproductfordelivery,transportedbytrucktothecustomer’shomeoroffice,unloadedatthedestinationsite,andpositionedasdirected

Maintainedinventoryrecordsandreportedtomanagement

EXTRACURRICULARACTIVITIESTangerineNewspaper,Writer January2014‐PresentOccupationalCriminalJusticeSociety,Treasurer January2014‐PresentPre‐LawSociety,Member January2014‐PresentInter‐GreekCouncil,MemberJanuary2014‐PresentStudentSenate,JudiciaryBoardAdvisor January2014‐PresentActiveMinds,Member September2103‐PresentUticaCollegeJamesShermanSociety:PoliticalScienceClub,TreasurerSeptember2012‐PresentAlphaChiRho,UticaCollegeChapter,Re‐foundingFatherOctober2008‐PresentAmpersand,PublishedAuthor January2014UticaCollegeWomen’sSoftball,Announcer January2013UticaCollegeProgrammingBoard,MemberSeptember2012‐2013

BRIANMAZUROWSKI1465NeyAvenue,Utica,NY13502

315.404.1559Bdmazurowski@gmail.com

REFERENCES

CriminalandCivilLawFieldsMichaelArcuri,Esq.HancockEstabrook,LLP1500AXATower1,100MadisonStreetSyracuse,NY13202315.565.4500x4559marcuri@hancocklaw.comRaymondPhilo,ResearchDirectorofEconomicCrime,JusticeStudies&CybersecurityUticaCollege1600BurrstoneRoadUtica,NY13502315.223.2483rphilo@utica.eduJimBrock,Esq.JimBrockAgency1900GeneseeStreetUtica,NY13502315.732.6191jimbrock@dreamscape.comCyberSecurityandHomelandDefenseFieldsEricOzanam,AssociateBoozAllenHamilton500AveryLaneRome,NY13441315.542.1817eric.ozanam@gmail.comAustenD.Givens,AdjunctProfessorofCybersecurity&InformationAssuranceUticaCollege1600BurrstoneRoad,Utica,NY13502315.792.3060adgivens@utica.edu

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

Name 09 November 2014 Page 2

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