Page 58 - ATR 3 2022 digital

THE LAST WORD

Consider Ex-offenders

By Sec. Solomon Graves ons because employment is important in The DOC currently offers a range

Guest Writer decreasing recidivism. of career and vocational training includ-
Research also shows that offenders with ing building and grounds maintenance;
More than 80,000 adults are cur- higher-paying jobs have an even lower risk heating, ventilation and air conditioning;
rently incarcerated in Arkansas or on of reoffending. That is why the DOC puts computerized applications technology;
parole/under probation supervision, and such a heavy emphasis on providing market- computerized accounting; Future Fit
over 80% of state prison inmates will be able vocational training to reduce the risk of (manufacturing skills) and more.
released from prison at some point in under-employment upon release. Our agriculture program teaches
their sentence. If we prepare offenders with effective inmates skills they need to find employ-
One word that describes this job programming and teach them marketable ment working with row crops, produce,
market—competitive. One word that job skills while they’re in our custody, dairy and beef cattle, laying hens, horses
describes successful industries—innova- they will not only get jobs but they will and timber. Up to 375 inmates are learn-
tive. An innovation being considered get high-skill jobs that allow them to pro- ing valuable farming skills on the DOC’s
more often in this job market is hiring vide for themselves and their families. 20,000 acres of farmland at any given
ex-offenders. These individuals want a For the DOC, giving offenders the time. Recently, our first agriculture tech-
chance to prove their skills; your industry tools necessary to find success is a con- nology class received certification.
and communities across Arkansas stand tinuous process that begins on the first Arkansas Correctional Industries
to benefit from giving that chance. day an offender is incarcerated. trains inmates in high-demand fields,
The Department of Corrections is We work constantly to increase the including graphic arts, janitorial services,
working diligently to prepare offenders to effectiveness of our programming to metal fabrication, vehicle refurbishing
be qualified job candidates upon release. reduce recidivism and to put offenders and the production of furniture and
We are very excited to be in the planning in a better position to be law-abiding, vinyl products.
stages of a pilot program that could help contributing members of society. We The DOC is committed to devel-
offenders obtain their commercial driver actively look for programming that will oping and strengthening partnerships
license. allow offenders to plug holes in the job with industries such as yours, as well as
Oftentimes, employers only consider market. For instance, we are building a institutions of higher education, non-
potential negative outcomes from hiring barber school at the Grimes Unit because profits and faith-based groups to enhance
ex-offenders. Consider that there are also there are only 2,600 licensed barbers reentry and employment opportunities
practical benefits, such as supervision in Arkansas. We also recently installed for offenders. We also remain commit-
terms that often require parolees to hold heavy equipment simulators at the Varner ted to ensuring that rigorous community
a job, stay away from criminal activity, Unit because we know there’s need for supervision does not create a barrier for
check in with parole officers and submit workers who can operate hydraulic exca- offenders to maintain employment.
to drug testing. Ex-offenders can be more vators, backhoes, bulldozers and forklifts. Please join us in this important
reliable than other prospective workers. We also provide offenders the oppor- work by giving ex-offenders the chance
In the past five years, the Division tunity to increase their employability they need to be successful. Your industry
of Correction released an average of and career readiness by earning certifi- will be stronger and our state will be
7,550 inmates per year and the Division cation through the Workforce Alliance safer as a result. ATR
of Community Correction released an for Growth in the Economy program.
average of 3,725 offenders per year. Those WAGE classes include GED instruction, Solomon Graves has served as the
Arkansas Secretary of Corrections since
individuals need work to be successful keyboarding, job preparation and basic his nomination by Gov. Asa Hutchinson
and, in many cases, to remain out of pris- computer literacy. in July 2020.

Opinions expressed on this page may not reflect official policies or opinions of the Arkansas Trucking Association or the American Trucking Associations.

58 Issue 3 2022 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT