At a time when Florida is in serious recession and facing a deep state budget crisis, the $2+ billion budget of the Florida Department of Corrections has grown larger; and without reform, that budget will continue to grow at a pace that crowds out other mission-critical state services such as education, human service needs, and environmental protection.

In the interest of public safety, fiscal responsibility, and criminal justice effectiveness, the Collins Center for Public Policy has formed a comprehensive partnership with key public and private organizations to form the Florida Coalition for Smart Justice (www.smartjusticeflorida.com).

The Coalition has opened a public conversation to explore better ways to achieve a safer, more just, and more effective criminal justice system that will have the desired outcomes of less crime, less public costs, and greater rehabilitative effect on offenders. Relying on input from all sections of the criminal justice system including police, courts, corrections and social services, the Coalition seeks to both identify and achieve safer and healthier communities for Florida’s citizens as a result of an improved criminal justice system.

Without reform, Florida’s criminal justice system will remain underfunded and its citizens underserved. A bold and serious initiative about justice reform must begin today. Many potential reform ideas are on the table. Join the conversation. Express your thoughts, ideas and recommendations. A mix of reform and efficiencies must be decided in the Capitol very soon.