White House says data can help fix America's overcrowded jails - CNET

Law enforcement and first responders will also be trained in how to deal with people experiencing mental health issues to better direct them to the proper services. The administration is developing a toolkit that will guide jurisdictions toward the best practices, policies and programs that have been successful in DDJ communities.

DDJ will also put in place pre-trial assessment tools to determine whether the individual can safely retu to society while awaiting trial without having to post bond. Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to the president, said during a press call on Thursday that on average, individuals spend 23 days behind bars awaiting trial while only five percent are convicted and sent to prison.

"Criminal justice reform is a top priority for President Obama," Jarrett said. "There are people who simply do not need to be in our jails."

Some cities have already been using data-driven analysis to tackle mass incarceration. Charlotte, North Carolina, implemented a data-driven system back in 2014. They were able to identify people who did not pose a threat to the community and did not need to be in jail. Since then, the county jail population has dropped by more than 40 percent and have had no increase in reported crimes, Jarrett said.