Step 5: Smart Policies on Ex-Offenders & Juveniles
Training & Employment Key to Cutting Re-arrests for Ex-Offenders
In Maryland, approximately 15,000 persons are released from Maryland’s Department of Corrections every year19. Nearly 50% of those ex-offenders return to the Department of Corrections or probation supervision within 3 years.
In Prince George’s County jails, the most recent 12-month average for repeat felony intakes was 13%, and repeat misdemeanor intakes were 25%.20
Steady employment following release from prison reduces the rate of recidivism.
- An Illinois study of 1600 persons released from state prison, found only 8% of those who were employed for one year committed another crime.
Juvenile Crime During School Hours
Between August 20 and October 26, 2007, 866 truant students were picked up during school hours – 252 were arrested in the commission of a crime.
Delegate Levi’s Record of Action
Delegate Levi has been a leader in proposing solutions to truancy21. Her signature law linking truancy to driver’s licenses made the front page of the Washington Post. Over 49,000 students have had to provide school attendance information before receiving their learner’s permit22. She followed that law with another that help set up the county’s truancy court.
19 Repeat Incarceration Supervision Cycle Report, 2005
20 Prince George’s County, Department of Corrections, CSTAT Report
21 Chapter 563 (2007) and Chapter 679 (2008)
22 Maryland Department of Moter Vehicles
