Lynn residents join CORI reform rally

LYNN – Activists from the Neighbor to Neighbor chapter in Lynn planned to join a rally at the State House today to reform the Criminal Offender Record Information system.According to organizer Jose Hernandez, the rally was called because the end of the legislative session is fast approaching.”The Commonwealth CORI Coalition” will hold a rally and lobby day to urge the House of Representatives to get smart on crime by reforming the CORI system as soon as possible,” he said.The rally starts at noon on the State House steps, or in Hearing Room B1 in case of rain.Speakers include Rep. Liz Malia, Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley and the Rev. Jeffrey Brown, executive director of the Boston Ten Point Coaltion.Hernandez said decades of so-called “get tough on crime” public policies have dramatically increased prison, probation and parole spending while failing to curb recidivism.”Our CORI system is broken and in desperate need of updating,” he said, noting that reports often include inaccurate or irrelevant information, such as case dismissals or findings of innocent.Critics of the system say many CORI reports are difficult to decipher because they contain codes. “This situation isn’t good for job seekers or for employers looking to fill positions,” Hernandez said.A CORI is generated when a person is arraigned on criminal charges. Originally created for use by law enforcement, the database is now regarded as a screening tool by potential employers and landlords, which does not reflect the law’s intent, said Agustina Matos, a member of Neighbor to Neighbor’s board of directors.The Senate’s adoption of a new sentencing law has helped balance the concerns of law enforcement, employers and the community, according to Hernandez. Even if the House passes a CORI reform measure, it would not eliminate criminal record information for those convicted of serious crimes such as murder, robbery and rape.