I served my entire six-year sentence, day-for-day, and now I'm facing an additional five years of mandatory Post-Incarceration Supervision in Kentucky. This requirement is more than just a formality; it poses a significant barrier to successful reintegration into society. The system mandates unnecessary fees and imposes unreasonable restrictions that make it hard for former inmates to rebuild their lives.

Kentucky's blanket five-year Post-Incarceration Supervision policy applies indiscriminately to certain felonies without considering the individual circumstances of the person affected. In fact this law only applies to one specific type of felony conviction. While the intention might be to aid in monitoring released individuals, the reality is that it often hinders rather than helps. It places a heavy burden on those who have already paid their dues, disrupting lives and perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and marginalization.

Research has shown that excessive supervision does not necessarily enhance public safety. According to studies by the National Institute of Justice, prolonged supervision can lead to increased recidivism due to the stress and constraints it imposes on an individual's ability to reintegrate effectively. Instead of helping, these policies trap individuals in a cycle from which they find difficult to escape.

We need a fair and just approach that focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration, not punishment. Re-examining this broad policy could allow for more tailored approaches that consider the individual’s behavior, improvement, and readiness to reintegrate into society. Florida, for instance, has adopted more flexible supervision policies with positive outcomes – allowing for earlier termination of supervision for those demonstrating good behavior.

This petition calls on Kentucky legislators to abolish the existing five-year Post-Incarceration Supervision mandate for certain felonies and replace it with a more flexible, individualized system. Such a reform would make it easier for those who have served their time to contribute positively to society, without the unfair burden of prolonged supervision.

Sign this petition to support a system that promotes fair treatment, encourages genuine rehabilitation, and allows for a more successful reintegration process for all affected individuals in Kentucky.