Thread by @ScottHech

Meet Cadeem Gibbs. Justice leader. Mentor. Organizer. Teacher. Served 3 years in prison. Then 5 on parole. Just 12 days before completion, parole arrested & jailed him. *For teaching at a Childrens Defense Fund event.* Parole is cruel. Listen to his story: bit.ly/2W3MwIF

Cadeem is a key expert on @emilybazelon’s excellent Podcast “Charged.” He adds important context to impact of mass criminalization. While still in production, she got a text from his girlfriend. Parole had arrested & jailed him. No one could believe it. bit.ly/2W3MwIF

Cadeem did more than maintain a near-perfect parole record for 5 years even w/ 23 onerous restrictions including curfew, programs, home visits on top of obstacles to return to society. Gainfully employed. Inspiration to young people. No credit for the good. One violation: Jail.

In NY like so many states, if parole officer decides that you violated a condition, youre not only arrested, but remanded w/ no opportunity to argue for release. No due process upfront. No right to appointed counsel. You’re stuck till your hearing. Avg = 99 days on Rikers.

Last year, I got a call from Emily the day she found out about Cadeem. I knew of his work, advocacy, & leadership. Fortunately, my office is a few blocks from Brooklyn House of Detention where he was being held. Grabbed a yellow legal pad & was w/ him about 20 minutes later.

He told me about the conference. How he had just had his last mtg w/ his parole officer. Didn’t want to pass up the career opportunity. How they visited his home the day after he left. How he turned himself in w/ a dozen letters, many from attendees who profited from his wisdom.

I tried to reassure him. But wasn’t much I could do. He faced 4 months in jail on top of time he would spend awaiting his hearing. I’d immediately forward his case onto amazing @LegalAidNYC parole attorneys. But parole is relentless. He was in trouble. He knew it. We shook hands.

Parole wasn’t always punitive. Officers used to be trained social workers, not law enforcement. Purpose was rehabilitation. Parole supposed to be an alternative to punishment, but now just serves as additional punishment. For more, a thread on the history:

https://twitter.com/scotthech/status/1117062236638519296?s=21

This episode of the “Charged” podcast—“The Long Tail”—is stand alone & really remarkable. Takes you through real-time terror of Cadeem’s predicament. Powerful interviews with his girlfriend, & him from Rikers. And 2 unexpected twists. Won’t spoil. Listen: bit.ly/2W3MwIF

If you’re enraged about the perpetual punishment of Parole, you should follow & support the focused organizing work of @RAPPcampaign & the NY legislation they’re fighting to pass to release elders, staff the parole board, & make parole review fairer. rappcampaign.com

Something else to do. Support the “Less is More” bill in NY. Would:

-Prohibit arrest/jail for most violations.
-Give earned time credit for good behavior.
-Require due process severely restricting pre-hearing jail.
-Enhance rehabilitation. nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-ope…