Created and Presented by Richard Harris, CBTP

“Released offenders are among the most difficult labor force populations to serve and least likely to be successfully engaged in sustained employment due to persistent legal problems, low education attainment levels, high recidivism rates and driver’s license suspension and revocation problems. The stigma of being an ex-inmate alone and the limitations this places on those released and expected to be gainfully employed are compounded by further legal sanctions placed on many adults who have spent time in correctional facilities.” Ex-Offender Population in Milwaukee County study (2009) Pawasarat, John, “Ex-Offender Populations in Milwaukee County” (Employment and Training Institute, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 2009), p. 1.

From the Wisconsin Department of Corrections released 31,152 adults to Milwaukee County, including 8,167 on probation or parole, while an additional 10,894 remained incarcerated. Source: Ex-Offender Population in Milwaukee County study (2009)

The prison population released into Milwaukee County is mostly male and predominantly African-American:  The population is 88% male and 12% female  Two thirds are African-American, 23% whites and 8% Latinos. Hispanic 8% Other 2% White 23% African-American 67% Female 12% Male 88% Source: Ex-Offender Population in Milwaukee County study (2009)

There is a disturbing pattern that plagues the Wisconsin Criminal Justice System—the vicious cycle of offenders committing crime, serving time, getting released only to commit more crime. This cycle is commonly known as the “revolving door” and formally known as recidivism. Recidivism can generally be defined as repeating criminal behavior even after being punished by the criminal justice system.  38% of Milwaukee County Jail inmates have a previous booking episode  1% of Milwaukee County Jail inmates have been booked 7 or more times (200 inmates per year) Source: Milwaukee County Community Justice Council

Most offenders released from correctional institutions live in the poorest Milwaukee neighborhoods, where job availability is very low. Zip code 53206, on the north side, had the largest number of ex-offenders returning the neighborhood, followed by zip codes 53205, 53209, 53212, 53210, and Source: Ex-Offender Population in Milwaukee County study (2009)

Nearly all of the Milwaukee County adults released from DOC facilities, including those on probation and parole, are limited in their access to jobs by lack of a valid driver’s license. Very few of the ex-offenders hold a valid driver’s license. No license but suspensions/revocations 22% Source: Ex-Offender Population in Milwaukee County study (2009)

Educational Attainment of Milwaukee County ex-offenders released from DOC supervision and adults on probation and parole is much lower than education levels of the general Milwaukee workforce. The DOC population includes 77% dropouts or GED holders and only 13% high school graduates and 10% with education beyond high school. Source: Ex-Offender Population in Milwaukee County study (2009) High school graduate 13%

A Milwaukee offender is more likely to… Be a “recidivist” African-American Male Live in a poor neighborhood in Milwaukee’s inner city Have a poor driving record Have low educational achievement

Milwaukee County Community Justice Council, Community Engagement Sessions ( 2011CJCCommunityEngagementS.pdf) Retrieved October 14, 2012http://milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cjcouncil/Documents/ CJCCommunityEngagementS.pdf Pawasarat, J. “Ex-Offender Populations in Milwaukee County” (Employment and Training Institute, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 2009) © Vision Beyond Bars, Inc.