Benjamin D. Weber

Vera Institute of Justice is a national organization based in New York City that works to tackle the most pressing injustices of our day—from the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the loss of public trust in law enforcement, to the unmet needs of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those harmed by crime and violence. Vera's work in New Orleans began in 2006, when the city council invited us to assess the criminal justice system and propose reforms as part of post-Katrina recovery efforts. In partnership with the local justice system, city leaders, and community organizations, we are working to end unnecessary detention and develop innovative, collaborative projects that improve the delivery of justice in New Orleans. We do this by providing policy and data analysis and project facilitation to advance practices that achieve equality, dignity, and effectiveness in the administration of justice. The Senior Program Associate will assume primary responsibility for a particular project, with the support of other staff members, on one of several initiatives we are currently working on. There are several areas that this office has an interest in exploring further, including issues around race, policing, and mental health in the criminal justice system. If s/he has a particular interest or expertise in one of these areas, s/he would have the opportunity to develop and execute a new project to complete.