The ability to secure gainful employment is crucial to the successful reentry of those returning to society from prison. Research shows that recidivism risks are highest in the first 3-5 years following incarceration. A study funded by the National Institute of Justice examined more than 80,000 criminal records and found that there is a way to actuarially estimate a point in time when an individual with a criminal record is at no greater risk of committing another crime than other individuals of the same age.
Given that recidivism declines steadily with time clean, JOTF will support legislation in 2016 that would allow for the expungement of certain nonviolent drug convictions after a specified waiting period.
Legislation is being drafted.
