Analysis of California’s Recall and Resentencing Referral Program

Presenter: Chloe Howard

Co-Presenter(s):
Karlee Wilkinson

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 22-23

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Omayra Ortega

Department: Mathematics

Funding Source/Sponsor: Class Project

President's Strategic Plan Goal: Diversity and Social Justice

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19KywVDFiV70FXn6lLdxO7gcBfgHZcO2D

Abstract:
This analysis aimed to look at data from public records regarding the Recall and Resentencing program in California. This program was created to systematically decrease the number of inmates in California state prisons based on whether they meet specific criteria for the crime they committed, referred to as their cohort, making them eligible for resentencing. This can include sentences due to racial bias. The data contained detailed aspects of each case specific to individual inmates considered for the program. About 20 characteristics, or variables, were available, but this analysis used five. Those variables include Cohort, action, race, county, and cost savings. We have found relationships between some of those variables at a significant level based on our alpha value of 0.05. The relationship between the variables ‘Action Taken’ and county, race and county location, and ‘Action Taken’ and Cohort were all significant based on the alpha value. Some notable statistics supported evidence that the program serves people of color more than their white counterparts, with many cases being resentenced or released. To continue further analysis, having data for all prisoners in the California Prison system would be beneficial. These results may aid legislation in creating new laws and programs regarding unjust or racist sentencing. This analysis was completed by students in MATH 467 class at Sonoma State University.