Criminal records exist for a reason—we would never argue that. But when they do more harm than good, it’s time to take a step back and decide if the system needs a second look.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is on a mission to restrict the public’s access to the criminal records of those who have been convicted for carrying less than an ounce of marijuana. She announced plans for an administrative order that would require city officials to establish a process that allows people to apply to have their drug court records made unavailable to everyone who isn’t law enforcement. This means that if you have a low-level drug conviction, you can apply to have it hidden from potential employers, landlords, and other nosy acquaintances as soon as February 1st, 2020.
This is a solid middle ground that many should be able to get on board with—law enforcement will still have what they need, but people who are affected will have a real shot of escaping the stigma of a criminal record. It would allow nonviolent offenders to make the most of their lives without encountering the many barriers that come with a criminal background check.
The order goes a step further and impacts those affected by an ordinance that allowed police to arrest people for being “in a place where illegal drugs or narcotics are sold or possessed.” Though this ordinance was repealed in 2007, many still live with disorderly conduct convictions on their records.
We applaud the efforts of Mayor Bottoms and her fight to fix the system that has disproportionately affected minorities and prevented many able-bodied individuals from securing adequate employment or housing. We too look forward to any day when people are able to get back on their feet and break free from the confines of a criminal record.