Washtenaw County has highest repeat offender rate in Michigan
Washtenaw County holds the dubious distinction of being the county with the highest recidivism rate in the state of Michigan.
But that's nothing new.
"It's always been that way," said Mary King, community coordinator for the Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative of Washtenaw County.
Mary King addresses the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners about prisoner reentry initiatives happening in the county.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"One of the reasons is because we have a very low prison commitment rate, which means that we're tending to send to prison the folks who have the highest risk for violence," she said. "And also Washtenaw County traditionally has had pretty significant barriers to housing and employment, which are two key indicators of success."
King gave a presentation tonight to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, calling for help in getting parolees into jobs once they leave prison so they can become productive members of society rather than repeat their mistakes. She said the county's recidivism rate is somewhere between 60 percent and 75 percent, depending on whether one is looking at two or three years of data and which crimes are counted.
The inability for ex-cons to secure employment is directly linked to recidivism, King said. Her presentation showed 82 percent of businesses now require criminal background checks, and only 12.5 percent will hire someone with a felony conviction.
"We are creating the very thing we fear," said King, who wants the county to pass an ordinance banning any criminal history check boxes from being included on job applications for county employment. The ordinance would require the same practice from venders, suppliers and contractors.
Once such a box is checked, King said, applicants who admit they're felons almost always have their applications discarded and never get to an interview.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employer policies that reject all applicants with criminal records. The act requires employers to determine if the applicant’s past conviction is relatively recent and related to the specific job for which he or she is applying.
County Commissioner Barbara Levin Bergman, D-8th District, agreed it shouldn't matter if someone who's applying for a job stacking shoes at a department store has a criminal past.
"I think this is something that really needs to happen," she said of an ordinance to ban criminal history check boxes. "If nothing, it is the right thing to do. I certainly support this."
Criminal background check boxes have been banned in several cities, including Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Nationally, cities like Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, San Francisco and Baltimore have led the way.
Prisoner reentry statistics in Washtenaw County.
King offered four reasons for banning the box:
• People of color are arrested, convicted, and incarcerated in numbers disproportionate to their representation in the population.
• The county has a responsibility to ensure its vendors, who are paid with taxpayer funds, have fair policies relating to the screening and identification of people with criminal backgrounds.
• The county’s adoption of an ordinance banning the box will serve as a model for private sector employers to enact similar policies.
• It is a documented priority of the board of commissioners to “support programs which result in successful reintegration of persons who have come through the criminal justice system."
King cited a 1997 study that found 1 in 20 background checks produced a false criminal record. She said that adds up to an estimated 300,000 innocent workers each year who are denied employment.
On top of that, King said, background checks often illegally include any contact the individual had with the criminal justice system — no matter how old, how the case turned out, or how relevant it is to the job.
King said the resolution she's asking the board to approve still permits a background check if the position is of such sensitivity that a check is warranted.
Six commissioners were present at tonight's meeting, including Bergman, Wesley Prater, Mark Ouimet, Rolland Sizemore Jr., Leah Gunn and Jeff Irwin. A majority of them expressed support for the proposal, which likely will come back for formal approval at a later meeting.
Gunn, D-9th District, said it would be an important step toward decreasing recidivism in Washtenaw County and providing second chances for those who have served their time. "It works in Battle Creek. Evidentially, it works in Kalamazoo," she noted.
Irwin, D-11th District, said reducing recidivism is key to unlocking Michigan's criminal justice problem. He said the numbers cited by King are staggering.
King said about 300 prisoners each year are paroled and return to homes in Washtenaw County. Ninety-two percent are men and 60 percent are black, she said.
MPRI, whose slogan is "creating safer neighborhoods and better citizens," is on a mission to reduce crime by implementing a seamless plan of services and supervision developed with each offender, King said. That's delivered through state and local collaboration from the time of someone's entry to prison through their transition, reintegration and aftercare in the community, she said.
Where parolees go in Washtenaw County.
King addressed what she called "the cost of failure." She said it costs the state about $30,000 annually to incarcerate a person and about $45,000 if that person is physically or mentally ill. About $2 billion was budgeted in fiscal year 2009 for state corrections operations, she said.
King also cited statistics from 2006 that show 32 percent of parolees in Washtenaw County live in Ypsilanti Township. Another 19.5 percent live in the city of Ypsilanti, while 25 percent live in Ann Arbor.
About 8.5 percent live in Superior Township, 2 percent in Pittsfield Township and 10.5 percent in other county locations.
MPRI, which started providing services in January 2007, is primarily funded by the Michigan Department of Corrections. Its housing program funded by MDOC is placing Washtenaw County parolees in stable housing in various apartments scattered around the county.
"It's very low-density housing, and we provide services right on site," King said. "We do housing checks, we let the local police know where the houses are located, and so we've had tremendous success."
The Ann Arbor Housing Development Corp. also kicked in grant money for the program this year. MPRI also has an intensive supportive housing program for people who are mentally ill that is funded through MDOC, the United Way, Religious Action For Affordable Housing, Washtenaw Housing Alliance and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.
Catholic Social Services acts as the administrative agency for MPRI, which also has a steering team that includes leaders from corrections, law enforcement, human services and faith-based organizations, as well as people who have been incarcerated. In addition, MPRI has an Advisory Council open to anyone interested.
King reported on successes of MPRI's work in Washtenaw County, noting all inmates now receive an assessment of their criminogenic risks and needs prior to release. MPRI provides collaborative case management services for two months prior to a prisoner's release and six months post-release.
About 80 percent of all inmates are sent to an in-reach facility for 60 days prior to release, King said. And all returning citizens receive services from MPRI in Washtenaw County.
MPRI also is working to offer employers incentives for hiring parolees. Through a temporary employee “Job Try-Out & Training” program, MPRI acts as the employer of record and pays for wages. Employers also receive tax credits for up to $2,400 for each new hire.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.
Comments
Marroqui
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 6:16 p.m.
Washtenaw County has a higher recidivism rate than Wayne County? That does not sound right! If that is really the case... Washtenaw court officials are really off on the wrong track! Maybe Washtenaw's liberal policies are making it a hot bed for criminals to migrate here....lol Now no criminal employment checks? Why not just release all new parolees and probationers to Washtenaw County... "The Criminal Promise Land".
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 3:28 p.m.
Maybe programs designed to help ex-cons could be open to anyone who wants to join them? Granted my idea of public support for entrepreneurs is no where near as simple or cheap as forbidding asking the question of if someone is an ex-con. But simple or cheap doesn't seem to be what people want. If it were up to me, once a person completes their sentence and probationary period, I think their records should be sealed and opened only if they commit another crime.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.
But then again the question turns to how much of this help you envision is being supplied to low income law abiding citizens? Is there a waiting list for those people? How many of those are falling through the cracks now? How difficult for those people to get loans to start those businesses? Bet those people who have never been in trouble are having a hard time also. Bet they wish they had those services available to them. Wonder how they'd feel when some who hasn't been as upstanding gets a leg up where they can't. Doesn't this then become a race to the bottom? Why should we work hard? Why should'nt we take what we want instead when being a criminal gets you stuff being law abidig doesn't? Not necessarily advocating this position but think about it from the perspective of someone who might be working on a proposal such as yours. Think they'll get more support/grants/publicity for the same program for criminals as for law abiding citizens? Maybe that's why we don't see such programs.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 11:48 a.m.
I was kind of thinking of changing laws to lower barriers to entry for small businesses. For instance, if I wanted to sell something legal, I would have to apply for permits, rent a location (because of local ordinances prohibiting many home based businesses), learn how to file taxes, etc. But if I wanted to sell drugs, all I would have to do is come up with enough initial money to buy a large quantity of drugs. Although I am generally pro drug legalization, one of the good things about it being illegal is that it becomes a small business with very low barriers to entry which ends up feeding a lot a families. Not everyone who sells drugs gets caught. Some people never do. Surely we can change our system to allow businesses with a low barrier to entry. Heck, panhandling can be pretty lucrative so surely allowing people to sell things on the street could be just as lucrative for them although perhaps that population would find it challenging to figure out the tax angles (collecting sales tax for instance). I guess the question becomes, is it more or less expensive for the government to help people start their own businesses by loaning them money, helping them write business plans, etc than it is to incarcerate them.
Mick52
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 11:43 a.m.
Could it be that Washtenaw Co has a higher recidivism rate because we get more parolees than any other county? Do all counties get an equal number of parolees to oversee? I hardly believe so.
Griffen
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 11:40 a.m.
Yeah, Washtenaw County number #1
Ricebrnr
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 11:24 a.m.
who's going to lend these ex-cons money to start their own business? who's going to lend their time and expertise to help plan and draft business plans, walk them through red tape, insurance, etc etc? That criminals tend to have little education, tolerance for the rules and patience for rewards.... A nice thought on the surface of it.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.
I think the best solution would be to encourage ex-cons to start their own businesses. I make no claims to insight into the criminal mind but I have wondered about such things. For instance, crime is pretty risky which means that criminals must generally have a high tolerance for risk. Also many criminal enterprises (such as selling drugs) are essentially small businesses made slightly more profitable because of their illegality but in other ways, are just businesses which low barriers to entry. Surely there must be some way to encourage people who are getting out of prison to start legitimate businesses? A lot of them already have experience running a small business and maybe even have good sales experience too. That experience combined with a high tolerance for risk seems like something that could be directed into something positive like entrepreneurship.
Umich2008
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 9:55 a.m.
Just a few observations here. FFE and others are quick to point out that there are victimless crimes here. Please prove that statement. That is the most absurd thing i have ever heard. ANother point foolishly pointed out is there are felons who are not violent. So what? Does that mean their crime is less disheartening to the victim? I had an expensive tool stolen out of my garage. Somee jerk walked into my garage where my children were. They very easily could have come into the house and done whatever they wanted. My small children could have, in fact, they did go into the garage during the 10 minutes the door was open. These people stealing stuff to get a quick buck are desperate. They are taking huge risks for a few dollars. How much more dangerous can a person be? Now i had to go out and spend $500 to replace a tool because my deductible is $1000. There is no victim here? Tell that to the families that did not benefit from my charitable donation that week in church and otherwise because i had to replace a tool. Forgive me at scoffing at the notion that there are victimless crimes and not all criminals are dangerous. While i agree that potential to be dangerous is not the same as being dangerous, don't try to convince me and everyone else out there with some common sense that just because they weren't on one occasion means they aren't.
glimmertwin
Mon, Apr 12, 2010 : 7:30 a.m.
Interesting points on the immigration angle. Obviously, that is yet another complicated, divisive topic. But the >> If we could eliminate drug related crimes we could eliminate 98% of felonies Or if we could eliminate the criminals that do the 98% of the felonies. I get that much of this stuff is drug-related. Most people that are arrested for drunk driving are drunk. I just have a hard time labeling or making any excuse for people that break the law - repeatedly.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Sun, Apr 11, 2010 : 11:54 p.m.
First of all, as a practicing Catholic, Im proud to read about the efforts of this Catholic backed agency, Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative, in its missionary work to assist released former prisoners reintegrate into society. Among his many jobs, my father was a municipal judge. After several years serving on the bench he told me that he believed that 95% of all felonies were caused by people who stole to get money for drugs. A few years later a major study of criminals in over 20 major cities nationwide came out that indicated that while 90% of the criminals were under the influence of illegal drugs at the time they were caught, the average person under the influence had committed 5 crimes before being caught while the other people, who were typically in the crime of passion category, had only committed one crime before being caught. If you do the math (if 90 persons do 5 crimes that is 450 crimes and if 10 persons do 1 crime that is 10 crimes for a total of 10 crimes out of the 460 crimes), you will realize that this means that 98% of all felonies are caused by people involved in the illegal drug trade as sellers or buyers. It also means that the War on Drugs is involved in some way with 90% of the felons being released into society that MPRI is trying to reintegrate. If we could eliminate drug related crimes we could eliminate 98% of felonies and that would have an extremely favorable impact on the quality of life of the average person. In the State of Michigans 2011 budget $8.9 billion is proposed to be spent on the general fund. Of this, $2 billion (22.5%) is proposed to be spent on corrections. Michigan currently has 45,200 prisoners and if the budget passes, Michigan will spend nearly $44,248 per prisoner for corrections. If we could eliminate the drug based criminal eco-system, 90% of the felons could be released and would not be replaced and the taxpayers would save $1.8 billion. This would allow a major 20% cut in taxes. There are practical ways to actually solve these problems but our current political leaders dont have the guts to implement them. It is clear that the current strategy has failed and fails every day. Its time to move on to new and better strategies. A final thought to ponder, if we enforced the rules against employing illegal immigrants, these released felons would find many new job openings. This would also have a major positive impact in lowering the cost of health care in Michigan because it would eliminate the uncompensated care now delivered on demand through emergency rooms statewide to these "free riders" who pay no taxes, drain our social services and take jobs away from local citizens.
Jay Thomas
Sat, Apr 10, 2010 : 5:12 a.m.
Is Mary King's group the one that has pizza parties and barbecues for recently released jailbirds in the hope that they can be talked out of returning to a life of crime? If I remember an article posted here from last year correctly one of their clients being interviewed even admitted that he had never had a regular job in his life (that means even when he had a clean record) and would most likely return to selling drugs. This is a question of whether someone has a right to know if their prospective employee has a criminal record. Not even that, just the ability to even *ASK* (the applicant can still lie and they often do). And we are told that it's in society's interest to deprive someone of that information (because then they might not be able to make a fully-informed decision and are more likely to hire former robbers, embezzlers, etc.) WHY Washtenaw county has the highest rate of repeat offenders should be the topic. Washtenaw county is one of the most generous counties (even free money for child care, etc) and has one of the lowest unemployment rates. The recidivism rate here isn't the highest in the state because we are cruel and indifferent living in some Charles Dickens novel... it's the other way around! Liberals, if you don't care to know this information then don't ask the question when you are hiring. But how dare you make everyone else *BLIND* as well. And Zulu: That was neat how you pulled a rabbit out of a hat to make white people the majority of criminals in that DOJ crime report. You know perfectly well that it counts all Latino's/Hispanics as being "white" even though they don't necessarily consider themselves that way or the fact that other government agencies treat them as "people of color" for the purpose of discrimination, affirmative action, etc).
glimmertwin
Sat, Apr 10, 2010 : 4:37 a.m.
>> Ohio and Texas, which both have the death penalty. After a nice, posh 20 years waiting for the legal process to finish. How about some hard, very miserable labor while they wait?
darknyt
Sat, Apr 10, 2010 : 1:26 a.m.
There has to be a productive job that these folks can perform in prison to help finance their stay. Maybe scanning books for google or making clothes, its better than sending these jobs over seas and in return the tax payers can catch a break. I think I will run for office.
Matt Cooper
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 10:38 p.m.
Glimmertwin: You are quite wrong. The fear of punishment has never, and will never, be a deterrent to crime. If it were a deterrent, there would be no crime at all in states such as Ohio and Texas, which both have the death penalty.
nxil2009
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 8:23 p.m.
Chase, Washtenaw County is one of the most affluent counties in Michigan. It has multiple universities and colleges. I has one of the most highly educated population. It is radically liberal. So what can be interpolated? Wealthy, educated, radical liberals will not hire criminals. They WILL however pay almost any amount of money so not not have to actually "touch" the unclean.
Chase Ingersoll
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 8 p.m.
Ryan: I would like a deeper analysis of the data and answers to the following: 1. what percentage of those who are classified as "re-offenders" are parole violators? 2. Is there something about Washtenaw County sentences and/or responses to parole boards that results in felons receiving shorter sentences, earlier release or longer parole periods? 3. What are the race, age and other socio-economic demographics of Wahstenaw County re-offenders relative to non offenders, non-re-offenders and as compared to other Michigan Counties? 4. How might the practices of local police departments and the Washtenaw County Sheriff, the Washtenaw County public, communication between law enforcement and the public and technology used in Washtenaw County differ from that in other counties with a resulting of greater reporting of crime and greater level of apprehension of previously convicted felons? 5. How does the average age, skill level and level of education of the average job applicant in Washtenaw County, differ from that in other counties? 6. How might the level of skill, education and required background checks in the Washtenaw county job market differ from other Michigan Counties? It would be nice to know if the parties raising the issue have considered these factors. It would also be nice to know how much money they want.
Awakened
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 7:42 p.m.
Highest repeat offender rate??? If at first you don't succeed; try try again!
Lokalisierung
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 5:02 p.m.
"I'm tired of paying the consequences of my own decisions and paying the consequences for others too." I agree with that but I'm just saying You make the penalties stiffer than they are, then more people goto jail for longer. Then you need to build more jails and pay more guards to work there. I don't know if taking the social handout monies and putting them towards the building/staffing would even out.
nxil2009
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 4:56 p.m.
Give someone who was convicted of fraud or larceny a job doing what? Stocking merchandise? Painting your house? Someone convicted of drug use changing my oil, driving a taxi? Someone convicted of a violent crime should, what sweep floors? People who go to jail or prison must desire to overcome the consequences of what they have done. The time incarcerated is only the beginning. They must struggle to earn it...just as we all struggled to achieve our place in life. Not all people in jail or prison are terrible people. I know it personally. But the more you hand anyone the less they appreciate it. Politicians in Washtenaw County loves feeling good about itself. They can't wait to spend BIG money on every Human Service program they can find. Plus newt relocation, round-a-bout studies, murals, parking structures, etc... Now they want to take more money to funnel into some unproven program, with no accountability to an outcome. How do I know they will not monitor the outcome? They never monitor the outcome of anything. It is sufficient to just feel good about thinking about doing something. If they actually formulate a program then they are almost orgasmic about that, while they never figure out if it works. Hence, the "no check box" law. Does it even work? Based upon the statements of Ms. King, no. Feels good to have the law though, huh? THE answer is for people to choose not to commit a crime in the first place because if you do, your life will be very, very difficult. You accomplish this by #1, making the penalty serious and firm, and #2, stop all the social handouts. I'm tired of paying the consequences of my own decisions and paying the consequences for others too.
Lokalisierung
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 4:16 p.m.
"Also maybe prisons should have educational programs instead of muscle building contests." maybe they should....but then you have just another group ranting and raving that these people are in jail and getting a free eduacation and the etc...
darknyt
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.
Many Parolees are not required to show proof of an effort to find employment. A proactive approach would be to make them accountable, by sending them to mandatory job search training like Michigan Works. There they will help with job searches and resume building and give proof of effort to take back to the parole officer. Also maybe prisons should have educational programs instead of muscle building contests. I wish the gym was that accessible to me.
Mick52
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 3:33 p.m.
Ms King left something out: The "jobs" the county will have to find for the parolees will have to pay as much as or more than what their criminal enterprises brought them. If they were good at it and made more $ they will likely go back to it, job or not. Will it cover everyone? Will pedophiles be able to apply to drive school buses? A friend of mine is a counselor in a Michigan jail. The prisoners tell him they go back to drug dealing because they can make so much more than any job, background check or not. A lot less hours too. This holds true for theft, robbery, burglary. This is a very bad idea. If its for county jobs, as the article notes, what difference does it make? The county can still hire the felons, check box or not. Go ahead hire the felons. Leave the vendors and contractors alone. Are school bus drivers considered county jobs? Pedophiles might love this ordinance. I've been promoting back grounds checks for all employment, at least a few phone calls, to get quality of work information, attendance records, and performance evaluations.
glimmertwin
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.
A line has to be drawn in the sand - 18 years old? Ok, how about 20 or 21? Where does it stop? At some point in anyone's life the blame has to be directed in the mirror - now matter what color or economic status you are or come from. I fail to see where constantly making excuses for repeat offenders does any good, other than to make good-hearted people feel sorry for offenders. Taxes? I suppose you like them?
Cash
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 2:21 p.m.
Common sense. We can no longer afford to the have knee-jerk "lock em up and throw away the key" attitude about every person who makes that big mistake. Some of those pro-long sentence, or death penalty folks are the same ones who are anti-tax. The ultra-conservative Nolan Findley, in his recent editorial regarding the high percentage of Michigan's budget going to prisons, in the Detroit News said (paraphrased) "It's time for the people of Michigan to recognize the difference between who they are afraid of and who they are just mad at."
Lokalisierung
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 2:12 p.m.
"He loses that right to participate in a civilized society when he chooses violence or other predatory behavior." Well I see your point I just disagree with this. We all know cut and dry, black and white decisions don't work in the real world. Somone punches somone in the face, so he loses the right to particpate in civilized society? I mean, that's a little harsh don't you think? Now some sicko is a predator on a child or somthing like that...sure I'm in for some key throwing. I agree with your 3 reasons, but it doesn't address why we hhave the sentacing that we do. Classic exapmles such as; I need drugs, I rob somones house, they come home, what do I do now? Well by robbing someone I've given up my right to be in society, so I'm no longer part of it, and need not follow it's rules. I'm going to do whatever I have to to get out of that house.
ffej440
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 2:09 p.m.
More suggested reading on this subject- Hebrews 13.3
Ryan J. Stanton
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 2:05 p.m.
There was some question whether the proposed "box" ban would be a countywide ban that affected private employers, or whether this was merely an organizational policy decision that applies to county government. The draft resolution as presented to the board says that Washtenaw County would ban the box from being used in its own hiring practices and would extend that to vendors, suppliers and contractors hired by the county. So it would not be for private employers throughout the county, though it would be encouraged.
ffej440
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 2:03 p.m.
- Macabre Sunset you are missing the point.Good legal council makes a BIG impact on conviction. Hence the people that can afford good council get off while the poor who have to use a public defender get convicted. Its not so much about skin color as income, just happens the two go hand in hand in this country. Remember OJ? A dream team can work wonders.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.
He loses that right to participate in a civilized society when he chooses violence or other predatory behavior. In your example, both have harmed each other (one through fraud, the other through violence). Both are criminals, but the fact that the victim was a criminal in both cases is irrelevant. We incarcerate people for three reasons. 1) to protect the public. 2) to punish individuals for predatory behavior so that they think twice before repeating the act. And 3) to set an example for people considering a life of crime, to show them crime does not pay. Mary ignores all three reasons in her proposal. Her mindset is wholly focused on making the criminal's life better, at the expense of everyone around him. If she feels so strongly about this, I suggest she wait outside the prison, take the next criminal paroled early into her home, and take on all the associated risks herself.
Peter A Webb
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:54 p.m.
Macabre Sunset, I hope for your sake you are trolling. You just suggested lifetime incarceration for breaking and entering.
ffej440
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.
Please note this is not a liberal/conservitive issue. The 96 welfare reform act was signed by Bill Clinton and it has created a lot of problems for re entry. Drug offenders are prohibited from welfare, food stamps,Fed housing and student loans. Is this a fair price to pay for getting caught with drugs vs being a violent criminal?
Lokalisierung
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:44 p.m.
"Anyone who chooses violence or breaking into people's homes or even doing what the Enron management did? Why should they get a second chance?" Because if human life is so precious as you claim it to be, as in a violent crime perp having his key thrown away, then why isn't his life precious also? Because he commits a crime his life is less valuable than the person he commited it against? What if that person was a dirtbag also. What if Mr X buys some bad crack from Mr Y, so then he punches him in the face. Who's the bad guy? Both? Throw the key away on both of them?
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:27 p.m.
The recidivism rate shows that the system isn't working. We agree on that. The question is what to do about it. I believe in throwing away the key. Some people just don't get it. Anyone who chooses violence or breaking into people's homes or even doing what the Enron management did? Why should they get a second chance? They made a choice that hurt someone and the statistics show they will likely make that choice again. Others say give him a job, let him cut to the front of the line again. What does that teach him? That crime pays. Mike Jennings' example? I assume he was incarcerated for felony drug possession and was not selling, if what he says is true. I do believe in a different approach to drug use, as long as the drug user has not turned to other crimes to finance his addiction. The racial component is unadulterated crap. When you get to the point where you're excusing crime because of skin color, you give them no sense of personal responsibility whatsoever. Stop treating people like pets and maybe they'll develop responsibility.
jkbepp
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.
There is an element to this story that has been entirely overlooked. In the April 8th edition of the Monroe Evening News, there is an article addressing the fact that a study conducted from May 1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2009 showed that out of 48,000 prisoners in Michigan 30 percent (about 14,400) had symptoms of mental illness. 65% of them recieved no psychiatric treatment during the period studied. During Governor Engler's administration, many State Hospitals were closed and mentally ill patients were left with no alternative treatment. If that were a step to save the state money, perhaps it needs to be re-addressed.
Patricia Cockrell
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:13 p.m.
It's easy to just react without really thinking, isn't it? Mr. Landes - where is your head?? You want to punish people who give ex-offenders a job? So your way of addressing the problems of recidivism is to just be as mean and heartless to these people as possible and hope the problem just goes away? glimmertwin - if you really do believe in second chances, I challenge you to look into this situation with your eyes open. You could do a lot of good if you wanted. I think your view of just who we have locked up is unrealistic. To say "if an 18-year-old knew before he attempted a crime that he would die or suffer severely, crime would nearly cease to exist", is ridiculous. How many 18-year-olds have you known? Teenagers think they're indestructible!! It comes with the hormones, maybe. If they've gotten away with other stuff, (i.e. skipping school, smoking a joint) they start to think if nobody sees them, it didn't happen. They start to think they're smarter than the adults in their lives, or that nobody will notice them. It's the kind of "magical thinking" parents of all teenagers, rich or poor, have had to deal with forever. Except nowadays, there's more peer pressure on kids than ever, and more demands on the parents than ever, and it takes just one screw-up too many for regular teens to get into a huge mess.
Life in Ypsi
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:13 p.m.
@ Glimmer twin Stopping the "knuckle heads" from committing the crimes in the first place is called prevention. Our society has yet to realize prevention might seem more expensive, but in the long run it's cheaper. To prevent people from committing crimes we would need better schools, safer neighborhoods, better parenting, and better mental health and substance abuse treatment.
xmo
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1:06 p.m.
"wants the county to pass an ordinance banning any criminal history check boxes from being included on job applications" Don't we already do this for people running for office?
Elizabeth Wagner
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 1 p.m.
I used to think that all felons were violent criminals. But like some others who have commented here, I have come to learn that most are not. They are people who have made bad choices or mistakes--often in their youth, often involving drugs--who have learned from their mistakes, who have the capacity to be great employees and who would like to contribute to our community. By condemning, marginalizing, and excluding this group from working, we are exacerbating the recidivism problem.
Cash
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 11:46 a.m.
Mike Jennings, thank you for your honest comments. The average person has not been in a prison, visited an inmate, or known someone who made a mistake that got them a "felon" status. So they believe what they see in movies and find in the media, where repeat offenders and true scum of society make good stories. I'm proud of you for stepping up and commenting. Please do not give up! There are many people out there who understand. Not all of them will be posting here. Do not give up.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.
Those that have served their sentences may have paid their debt to society but just a prior to their troubles society does not gaurantee nor owe you anything. The sad truth as state before, is Michigan and SE michigan perhaps most of all has a huge deficit of jobs. Overly qualified people are scrambling for work, any kind of work. High degreed workers are taking McDonalds jobs just to get by. Any employer is going to make decisions based on the bottom line. What applicant for x job will be the best investment in time and resources. This is a return on investment question. YOU all make the same decisions when you buy a car. Do you buy a new one or a used one? Do you use Consumer reports, Car Fax, go to a dealer or private purchase? Should I feel sorry for a seller of a car that has obvious body damage? Should I be forced to buy a Toyota with possible problems when I need an SUV? Whose fault is it if your car can't sell? Mine? I think not.
glimmertwin
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.
I believe in second chances. I also understand that people down on their luck can make mistake. But we are talking about huge numbers of people here. There aren't that many people "down on their luck". If getting the number of released prisoners that need to reenter the work force can be reduced, than this issue can resolve itself. But somehow the number of people committing crimes in the first place must get reduced. And from what I can see at this stage of my life, whatever it is that we are doing is not working. So maybe another news article about how "people need a break" or that law-abiding citizens need to fork over more money to help these poor people who have paid their debt to society might make some people feel better is what's needed. But in my opinion, that doesn't address the root of the problem - at all. Stop these knuckleheads from doing wrong to begin with and everything will fall into place.
ffej440
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 10:45 a.m.
I used to feel like many of these "throw away the key" people, then I did some study and I have changed my view completly. Have an open mind- go to the libary and read "Picking Cotton" by Jennifer Thompson, then maybe google "Ryan Ferguson" and read his story. Our system is broken and needs repair to end this cycle.MPRI is on track with one of the problems but there is a lot more changes needed in our justice system.
naturally
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.
I hope none of you ever get down on your luck or make a mistake. It's just not right that someone that was arrested for possession of a small & personal amount of drugs 15 years ago, served their time and has walked the straight and narrow ever since has a difficult time finding a job. We as a society are almost pushing that person back to abuse substances or commit crimes against property.
Stephen Landes
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 10:33 a.m.
This is another brilliant idea for keeping job growth low in Washtenaw Couny: prospective employers know that you cannot even ask whether or not an applicant has been arrested or convicted. Mary King would like to solve a problem by making life worse for everyone. The remedy is already in the law: if an employer rejects everyone who checks the box then take legal action against them. Mary King should be asking the legal community to do its job in identifying and taking action against those employers (if they even exist) rather than pursuing her present course of action.
glimmertwin
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.
If an 18 year old adult knew before he even attempted a crime, that he was going to die or suffer severely if he gets caught, crime would nearly cease to exist. It's just that as Americans nobody has the stomach for it. Then all this talk about second chances yada yada yada would be completely pointless.
Patricia Cockrell
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 10:04 a.m.
I am touched by the concerns of those who have responded to this article and I'd like to make a couple of observations about them. We hear the refrain "but what about the victim's rights?" all the time, and I have to ask: Well, what about them? At the very least we owe it to the victims to do whatever we can to prevent ex-offenders from committing another crime, don't you think?? It's satisfying to say "lock 'em up and throw away the key" but the reality is we don't, of course. For the majority of offenders - there's a wide range of reasons people go to prison, so it's not helpful at all to imagine they're all ax murderers. Do you think it's a good idea to ignore the fact that they ARE coming back into society one way or another? The only thing we can do is really ask: what then? and try to come up with a plan. If you had to sit down and try to imagine the very best plan to deal with this problem, this plan is what it would look like!! Address the reasons ex-offenders go right back to their old ways and try to re-direct them from going right back to the same element where they got into trouble in the first place. Far from bleeding hearts, MPRI has actually tried to address the situation of "what then?" There is a good chance that if you find the best fit between the ex-offender and the job, you'll never find anyone more eager to make things work!
KeepingItReal
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 10 a.m.
Davidian: I would like to refer you to the U. S. Department of Justice, Criminal Justice Information Services-Division Table 43 Arrests by Race 2008: Two examples; Out of a total of 455,967 violent crimes committed in the U.S., 265,754 or 58.3% were committed by whites; 179,636 or 39.4% were committed by blacks. In terms of property crime; of a total of 1,300,167, property crimes committed, 876,425 or 67.4% were committed by whites; 391,645 or 30.1% were committed by blacks. These proportions tend to be consistent across the board for all crimes. The problem is that blacks are convicted at a higher rate than whites and, therefore this is reflected in the incarceration rates that most people often quote. The reason why blacks are convicted at higher rates are based on several factors such as judges who are indifferent to the life outcomes of African Americans; prosecutors and politicians who want to appear tough on crime; poor legal representation once they are in contact with the justice system; those convicted tend to have a lower degree of education or other formal training and combined with the fact that our prison system no longer stress rehabilitation, many return to our communities poorly prepared to participate in an open society. If you combined these factors with other dynamics such employees whose livelihoods are directly tied to the penal system, and the fact that correction is big business, you have very little motivation for reducing our prison population. I should also add that the African American community offers very little support for blacks who are returning to the community. While there are those that truly need to be removed from society, there are many who have made a mistake and with the proper support can become good neighbors and contributing members of our community. There is no reason for us to demonize these individuals. I would much prefer to put my money into education. What about you?
Mike Jennings
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.
Not every felon is violent, or a predator. Often there are no direct victims of their crimes. And not every felon chooses to commit crime due to being out of work. Sometimes people make mistakes. I did. I'm a felon. I paid my debt to criminal justice system. Cleaned up my life. And yet because I am honest on job applications I am still paying the debt that society thinks I owe it. So instead of working and contributing to my community, I'm stuck eating up social resources that I don't want to but have no other choice. All I need (like many other felons) is a chance. Until employers are willing to give us a chance we don't have one.
Cupitt
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 9:35 a.m.
Look it is not like someone with a degree wants to stock a shelf at a store.If you do OK but that is not what I went to school for so that will not be the JOB I go for. To all who say why give them a second chance. Hell don't cry when you get robbed for all you have. Robin Hood said it the best take from the rich and help the poor.That is not what I would say is right.Although in the mind of a thief or someone who has not had a meal or mother and father who can't feed there young.Desperate times mean things happen and pain was not meant to be that way.Hell all they can say is SORRY. Then they do there time and all we can say is SORRY. NO JOB FOR YOU.So don't cry for them no even when there gun is in your back.GIVE ME ALL OF YOUR CASH AND THEN YOU WILL REMEMBER THIS.Sorry but you look like a target and I need to live somehow.I can't get a job.
belboz
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 9:28 a.m.
When factories close because people make the choice to buy a car made in Korea or Germany - when domestic alternatives are plenty - they actively participate in the demise of a society. When the government fosters a policy of outsourcing jobs, they are fostering a policy of unemployment and a poor social structure. Any time a politician says we have treaties to support, that is saying they are putting the priorities of our relationships with other countries in front of their responsibilites to the citizens. So, to differing degrees, we are all responsible for the current economic crisis - and the social crisis that is following close behind. Time to eliminate the trade deficit, quit worrying about treaties or tade agreements, and focus on what is best for the US economy and society.
Umich2008
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 9:11 a.m.
I am all for second chances. But the jobs are limited. It's been said and i agree with the post that talks about having two applications. One is a felon, the other isn't. Who would you hire? Be honest. If the real issue is jobs, then why is Obama hell bent on suberting the will of the people and focusing all of our attention and future generations' resources on health care. Create an environment where people can get a well paying job and they can get their own health care. Unemployment is the highest it has been since the 30's. Yet we are focusing on bankrupting and deyning businesses the chance of creating more jobs so 10 million illegals can have health care? Yeah, that is right up Bergman and the rest of the Liberals alley.
krc
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 8:23 a.m.
Thos who admit they are/were felons should be given a chance. After all, they didn't hide the fact. Criminal background checks would weed out the liars who, it would seem are up to no good seeing as how they lied on the application. I'm all for criminal background checks.
ezbngreen
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 8:04 a.m.
I share no part of the blame when a criminal has decided to commit a crime. The act they chose to do is all upon their shoulders not mine. I however agree that it is hard for anyone to find a job in these trying times. I would rather lend a hand to those that struggle than to those that have helped themselves to that which wasn't theirs.
belboz
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 7:41 a.m.
These days, what are criminals to do when they get out of jail? It is hard enough for the regular person to find a job. When the economy is in the tank, it seems only innevitable that criminals will revert back to crime. The best thing that we can do for them and the rest of us is focus on jobs - jobs - jobs. Only then can we afford the education we would like our society to have, the health care, the infrastructure, and the society where - ultimately - we don't have criminals because they feel an integrated part of the society. Until then, we all share some of the blame.
mom2boys
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 7:37 a.m.
Okay, here are my questions: If jobs are the answer--were any of these folks working when they committed their crimes? Two-edged sword, here. If they were working--they still committed a crime. If not--why were they not working? High unemployment may explain some reason for not working; however, some people decide on criminal activity INSTEAD of employment. While I agree that some people will learn from incarceration, there are those who will refuse to learn. There is no absolute panacea for crime prevention. I do not mind my tax dollars going to incarcerate someone who has proven that they are a meanace to society--the predators. If you cannot refrain from violence and harming others, then you do not belong in society.
Peter A Webb
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 7:24 a.m.
Why is there so much anger about this? People who have been released from prison have paid their debt to society. We can choose to help them find a path toward a better life, helping both them and the community as a whole, or we can kick them around until they offend again, increasing crime in the community and sending them back to tax-payer supported prisons. To me, the choice seems very easy.
InsideTheHall
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 7:21 a.m.
What a bunch of liberal jib-jab. Perhaps we are not tough enough on criminals. Perhaps the prison experience is nice enough that criminals don't mind going back. How in the heck is the County Board going to create jobs other than scamming some stimulus money, add in some of our county money (guess where that comes from), wrap it in a bow and just like that we have jobs. Perhaps we should put the ex criminals on the Road Commission and pick up trash on the side of the road at minmum wage. Obama endorses that just like FDR did when his policies failed and had to quell the masses.
fortin911
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 7:01 a.m.
Maybe all these repeat offenders are just predators and have never acquired the human trait! Maybe our bleeding heart Liberal need to adopt one of these fellons for their own learning curve so they do not force society to pay for Liberal mistakes!
Davidian
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 7:01 a.m.
No offense, but time to get real. This story states that "people of color" are incarcerated at a rate disproportionate to their population representation. Actually, this is FALSE. Asians, who I presume are also "people of color," are incarcerated FAR LESS than than their representation. What this should really say is African-Americans and to a lesser extent, Latino folk, are incarcerated at a far higher rate than their representative population. That's because THEY COMMIT MOST OF THE CRIME, BY FAR. All local, state, and federal crime bureau statistics bear this out. These are facts--and not some crazy right-wing conspiracy. The lies and excuses and mulligans must stop. If the establishment keeps enabling a culture of violence, nothing is going to change. People need to be held accountable and exposed before positive reflection and change can be made. These politicians need to stop being a PC cowards.
fortin911
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 6:58 a.m.
Maybe all these repeat offenders are just predators and have never acquired the human trait! Maybe our bleeding heart Liberal need to adopt one of these fellons for their own learning curve so they do not force society to pay Liberal mistakes!
KeepingItReal
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 6:58 a.m.
The MPRI program is one that is needed if we are going to be successful in reducing our prison population in Michigan. However, one of the biggest complaints I've heard from individuals returning to the community from prison is the difficulty in finding employment and the myriad bureaucratic obstacles they encounter as they try to transition from prison to the community. We "upstanding" citizens can continue to deny these individuals opportunities to improve once they return to society or we can continue the revolving door of returning them to prison. We pay. Corrections is the largest single item in our state budget even exceeding education. Not withstanding those whose livelihood depends on the current state of affairs or politicians wanting to appear "tough on crime," these individuals deserves an opportunity to become law abiding citizens again. Give people an opportunity to earn a living, support their family and find secure housing. It's good to know that BOC members support this resolution and I am especially glad to see that my Commissioners Barb Bergman is supportive.
glimmertwin
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 6:55 a.m.
As long as criminals aren't afraid of the justice system or their "victims", no matter what happens nothing will ever change. I don't care how many programs or dollars are spent. A criminal has to be "afraid" to commit a crime. That's the only way they will stop doing it.
EDM450
Fri, Apr 9, 2010 : 4:40 a.m.
Washtenaw County has the highest rate? Well it wont take long and the counties various Police and Sherrif departments will have these repeat offenders back in court. You know... The ones that are all facing layoffs...
Matt Cooper
Thu, Apr 8, 2010 : 11:04 p.m.
Macabre: "fully compensate their victims with the proceeds of all these extra jobs."? Serving years on end in state prison isn't enough? Getting out and being refused employment time after time isn't enough? Ending up homeless isn't enough? I'm all for victims rights and victims compensation, but it seems to me that the victim gets nothing if the parolee can't even get a job and begin to take care of themselves. If you truly care about crime victims, perhaps instead of questioning what Mary King and others feel about crime victims, you could get involved with an organization such as MPRI and ask what you can do to help. After all, high recidivism rates serve no useful purpose at all in any society.
ezbngreen
Thu, Apr 8, 2010 : 10:50 p.m.
Paying their wages from state tax dollars? Sweet how many could the city of Ypsi employ to scrape all the old gum off the sidewalks downtown? Oh wait not such a good idea to give a felon a sharp metal object. Ok how about picking up all the trash and cleaning up the garbage left on the ground throughout the county rather than have the Sheriff post a deputy to supervise for Community Service gangs. The debt has been paid to society and they are now lawful tax paying productive citizens. I bet they will do just fine with the responsibility of their new job.
darknyt
Thu, Apr 8, 2010 : 10:23 p.m.
I am concerned about the rehabilitation process while people are in prison. I know someone who was denied paroll for not completing the required programs and all of a sudden a judge lets him out two years early. Guess what, hes back in prison having repeated the same offense. He wasnt ready to get out and needs to be required to finish all rehab programs to assit with a successful transistion into society. You dont need a study to understand, for people to get better they have to unlearn these behaviors in the first place.
ezbngreen
Thu, Apr 8, 2010 : 10:14 p.m.
Hmmm let me think about this one.... Do I hire a prospective employee who has no criminal record or hire one that does? Let alone Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. I think I'll pass on hiring all those people out there who have multiple degrees from higher education and are looking for work and have never been in trouble.... Are you kidding me!!!!! Why on Earth would I ever want to hire someone when the rest of the applicants have abide by the laws and actually come to the business with tools that can enhance my business legally. These people chose what path they wanted to follow and it was at the expense of others. I wouldn't hire them for menial labor as well as most haven't had an honest job ever.
Mike
Thu, Apr 8, 2010 : 9:45 p.m.
What about the rights of those who didn't commit a crime and go to prison?
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Apr 8, 2010 : 9:40 p.m.
That's so nice. If only people like Mary King and the others quoted in this article gave a darn about the victims of the crimes committed by these people. Or supported legislation requiring criminals to fully compensate their victims with the proceeds of all these extra jobs.