Criminal justice task force could be permanent

“There is not a clear understanding of how offenders are moving through the criminal justice system”

A panel of experts is expected to recommend that the state form a permanent commission to study sentencing in criminal courts, racial disparities in prisons and other issues.

The panel, a temporary task force created by the state legislature, will make dozens of recommendations when it releases its final report this month. Among them will be a recommendation that Connecticut join 26 states that have permanent bodies to examine criminal justice.

Three temporary commissions formed since the mid-1970s have recommended several changes, including the abolition of parole, which was panned then rescinded. Read more