The Council for Court Excellence released a new report (PDF) Thursday morning on unemployment among the city's previously incarcerated residents. The report found that of the 550 individuals surveyed, almost half didn't have a job.
The council is a nonprofit organization that studies administration of justice in local courts and agencies. In a statement, executive director June Kress said that, "without a job, the path toward rehabilitation and economic security is far more challenging for the previously incarcerated, increasing the likelihood of a return to the criminal justice system."
According to the report, about 8,000 men and women return to the District each year after serving time in jail and about 60,000 city residents have a criminal record. Of those who return to the city from jail, about 4,000 are incarcerated again at some point.
Of the 550 returning citizens surveyed, 46 percent reported being unemployed. Seventy-seven percent said that they didn’t receive any assistance while in jail on how to find a job after their release.
The report shows that the most common job held by returning citizens is as a motor vehicle operator – a bus driver or delivery driver, for example. Other commonly-held jobs included foreman or manager, food preparation worker, janitor, laborer and receptionist or information clerk.
Employers surveyed for the report said that they were concerned about the liability that could come with hiring anyone with a previous criminal record. One of the report’s recommendations was the adoption of legislation offering more protection for employers who hire previously incarcerated residents.
The council also recommended that the city should do a more in-depth, annual review of its reentry programs and offer more job training for positions that are in high demand in Washington, including office clerks, customer service representatives and food service workers.
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