Jail to Jobs Workforce Ready Felons Brent Johnson, J2J Navigator, Northeast Mississippi Community College

The Facts Based on Mississippi but similar across the country

Mississippi Department of Corrections 3 State Facilities 3 Private Prisons 15 Regional Facilities Each type of facility has different criteria for accreditation and differing management hierarchy. Facilities are autonomous within the preset guidelines mandated by MDOC

Prison v Jail Prison Jail Everyone has been convicted Most sentences are for two years or more Inmates have clearly defined rights and roles Regulated by state and federal standards People may have been convicted or may be awaiting trial Typically shorter stay Sheriff or Police Chief are generally in charge or administration Less regulation and oversight

Not Just Behind Bars Probation Parole Person was convicted of a crime but not regulated to a facility Has to live and work within approved areas Routinely has to check in with a probation officer 24,457 people in Mississippi are on probation. 44.45% of total offenders in MDOC care. Person has served time but has been released into the community before the scheduled release date Very similar to probation and may technically go from parole to probation without a noticeable change 9,167 people in Mississippi are out on parole. 16.66% of offenders in MDOC care.

The Problems

Recidivism recidivism  noun re·​cid·​i·​vism | \ ri-ˈsi-də-ˌvi-zəm  \ : a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior especially : relapse into criminal behavior 77% of inmates released from custody will be arrested again within 5 years

Annual cost to retain 1 inmate = $18,173 Cost of Incarceration Annual cost to retain 1 inmate = $18,173 Taxpayers are responsible for the cost of incarceration. Fines, fees or damages as the result of the trial and crime are paid by the criminal upon release. Legal fees, commissary expenses and other expenses are paid by family and friends.

Our Solution Jails to Jobs

Jail to Jobs Inmates that receive education while “inside” have a 43% lower rate of recidivism. Community Colleges have a unique opportunity to partner with prisons in their geographic area. Partnerships with foundations (NGOs) and facilities are key to securing funding and support.

What we do Before Release After Release Smart Start Certification Manufacturing Basic Skills English Composition I OSHA 10 AHA Heartsaver CPR Job search assistance and interview support Identify eligible community services offered by non-profits Assistance applying for governmental assistance (SNAP, TANF, etc) Securing adequate housing Drug/Alcohol Rehab (as needed)

The Results 4 cohorts (approximately 40 students) have completed the program We currently have a recidivism rate of ZERO for those who have been released. Of those released over 95% are either employed full time or training

The Future

Looking Forward There is a waiting list of inmates to get into the program Incarcerations are not expected to decline drastically There is a large gap for medium skill workers This program is adaptable and scalable

Benefits to You Educational institutions can count incarcerated students toward overall enrollment Create additional partnerships with community members Strengthen relationships that already exist for local stakeholders. Expand your organizations footprint and influence beyond your current market.

Benefits to your community Reduction in crime rates Increase in skilled laborers Inclusive society of all community members Positive image

Questions and Comments Conclusion Questions and Comments Definition provided by Merriam- Webster online Statistics on recidivism provided by United States Department of Justice Mississippi Department of Corrections webpage provides updated monthly statistics

Thank You Brent Johnson J2J Navigator – Northeast Mississippi Community College rbjohnson@nemcc.edu