CORI: Balancing Individual Rights v. Public Access
Hosted by The Boston Foundation and the Crime & Justice Institute
May 18, 2005 - 8:30am – 10:30am
The Forum
On May 18th The Boston Foundation will host a forum designed to begin a public dialogue on the Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI) system and its impact on ex-offenders and the re-entry process. The Boston Foundation asked the Crime and Justice Institute to gather data, bring together selected stakeholders, facilitate meetings and develop a dialogue about CORI – and specifically to look at its implications on the criminal justice system such as offender reentry, recidivism, and public safety. Panelists and speakers will include Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral, Paul S. Grogan, Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond, Elyse Clawson, Senator Jarrett Barrios, Barbara Redden, Tony Winsor, and Barry LaCroix.
What is CORI
The Criminal Offender Records Information system, better known as CORI, has, over the past few years, experienced internet start-up-like growth. It seems that every time you turn around a new field is added to the CORI access list. This growth has resulted in an increase in the number of authorized CORI users (those who can request a CORI background check) from 2,000 to 10,000. The agency responsible for distributing CORI to these users, the Criminal History Systems Board, handles more than 5,000 requests daily; 125,000 CORI requests every month; about 1.5 million annually.
The information being distributed includes criminal convictions, pending charges (accusations that have not yet been adjudicated), and in some cases the information includes charges that were dismissed by the court, charges that resulted in a not guilty finding and information in juvenile records. Those receiving (either by law or by request) CORI include hospitals, schools and school transportation vendors, youth camps, public and private healthcare providers, housing authorities, and private businesses claiming a public safety interest.
There is little doubt that access to CORI information offers law enforcement an important tool in combating crime and prosecuting cases. The evidence also suggests that the extensive availability of CORI for employment and housing purposes has an impact on an offender’s ability to successfully reintegrate. Balancing the public safety needs with the need to preserve the individual rights of those trying to get their lives on the right track is a challenge that should be joined by those on all sides of the discussion.
Link
For more information click here to access an invitation and RSVP.
Quality of Life in Our Neighborhoods: Successes & Challenges In Addressing Crime
Thursday, January 29, 2004 -- Reception 5:30-6:00 pm, Forum 6:00-8:00 pm
At the New Boston Pilot Middle School, 270 Columbia Road, Dorchester.
Hosted by: The Boston Foundation, The Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation, and coordinating partners The Crime and Justice Institute and MassINC
To see details about the event please click here.
CRJ'S CEO Honored by CAM
On May 27, 2003, CEO John Larivee was honored by CAM, the Correctional Association of Massachusetts, with their Howard B. Gill Lifetime Achievement Award - "in acknowledgement of your outstanding contribution to the field of criminal justice by improving the conditions of those who work in the system, as well as those whom the system serves." Click here for more information and pictures