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

2. The Facts
Based on Mississippi but similar across the country

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 % 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 % of offenders in MDOC care.

6. The Problems

7. 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

8. 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.

9. Our Solution
Jails to Jobs

10. 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.

11. 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)

12. 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

13. The Future

14. 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

15. 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.

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

17. 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

18. Thank You Brent Johnson
J2J Navigator – Northeast Mississippi Community College