We're talking about the so-called Bell Reform.

That's what they're calling it.

I just don't know how to respond to the mirror, de Blasio, giving inmates, gift cards,

Metro cards, movie cards.

I mean, if you get a subpoena, you show up to court.

You're not supposed to get a gift from the government for showing up.

Crime stories with Nancy Grace.

New York City will be ringing in the new year with a new set of criminal justice reforms

to combat overcrowded jails.

About 900 accused criminals are expected to be released, and the city will be rewarding

them with Metz tickets, movie passes, and gift cards for showing up to court.

Critics say the program rewards criminal behavior.

The mayor de Blasio is optimistic the plan will work.

In the world where we want speedier trials and we want the justice system to work, if

small incentives are part of what actually makes it work, then that's a smart policy.

Starting January 1st, the Bell Reform Policy eliminates cash bail and pretrial detention

for misdemeanors and most low-level felonies with exceptions like murder conspiracy, domestic

violence cases, and sex crimes.

When defendants are released after a reenement, they'll be encouraged to show up for their

next court date with promises of sports tickets, subway passes, and other gift cards.

I'm having a hard time soaking in what I just heard and digesting that, but first of

all, let me just start with, I didn't know there was such a thing as a low-level felony.

...