Jay Z and P Diddy working on new app that aims to reduce incarceration of black lives

Jay Z’s Roc Nation has invested $3 million in “Promise”—a new app that aims to reduce incarceration and recidivism in the criminal justice system.

Co-founded by social entrepreneur and former Prince manager Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, Promise hopes “to create a sustainable and scalable program that will reduce the number of people behind bars, recidivism and the cost of care by extending the capabilities of community supervision.”

The app will be open to both government agencies and users on parole who would otherwise be incarcerated.

“We are increasingly alarmed by the injustice in our criminal justice system,” JAY-Z said in a statement.

“Money, time and lives are wasted with the current policies. It’s time for an innovative and progressive technology that offers sustainable solutions to tough problems. Promise’s team, led by Phaedra, is building an app that can help provide ‘liberty and justice for all’ to millions.” Via the development plan, here is an thorough explanation of the app: “Promise steps in during the pre-trial process to assist those that cannot afford bail.

“Following a comprehensive intake procedure, Promise sets up an individualized plan for each participant. Promise then monitors and supports participants to help them succeed with their plans. Each participant has the Promise app on their phone and receives an intelligent calendar of their obligations (court appearances, drug testing, substance abuse treatment, etc) and adaptive reminders to help them meet these obligations.

“Promise also provides coordinated referrals and support based on individual needs, including job training, housing, counseling, etc. Participant progress is tracked so that clients and participants can easily view compliance and status.”

The Promise app will formally debut March 20th at Y Combinator Demo Day.