Vera Institute of Justice | Making justice systems fairer and more effective through research and innovation

Michael

Jacobson

Director, Vera Institute of Justice
Michael P. Jacobson joined Vera as its fourth director in January 2005. Before then he was a professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. A PhD in sociology, he was the New York City Correction Commissioner from 1995 to 1998 and the City's Probation Commissioner from 1992 to 1996. Prior to that, he worked in the New York City Office of Management and Budget from 1984 to 1992 where he was the Deputy Budget Director. He is the author of Downsizing Prisons: How to Reduce Crime and End Mass Incarceration (New York University Press 2005). He serves as chair of the New York City Criminal Justice Agency.

Topics:
Sentencing & Corrections

Blog Posts

Recent testimony on mandatory sentencing for drug possession
I testified last week before Canada's Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, which is considering a legislative package requiring mandatory sentences for a host of drug possession and drug sale crimes.
Vera researchers at American Society of Criminology annual meeting
Many Vera researchers will be presenting their work at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology, which begins today and continues through Saturday in Philadelphia.
Remembering Neil Weiner
It's been only a week since we learned the tragic and shocking news that Neil Weiner, our research director and senior fellow, passed away. Neil joined Vera in 2006 to lead our research efforts. He commuted from Philadelphia every day and was on his way to work last Thursday when he died.