Sadly, Mr. Rivera’s story is not unique. “30 for 30” has allowed 20,000 parolees to be released from community supervision without successful completion of the very programs that are intended to help them maintain productive lives – things like substance abuse, mental health and sex offender treatment. It is time for the New York State legislature to amend “Less is More” and return power to the State’s parole officers, who want nothing more than to help parolees get back on their feet and reintegrate into their community.

This argument should be rejected out of hand or, better, should demonstrate that the 30 for 30 program works. If 20,000 parolees have been released and Rivera is the only one that’s committed a crime with such a tragic result, then that’s a testament to the effectiveness of those “programs that are intended to help them maintain productive lives.” Because it sounds like 19,999 are doing great.