(Austin, Texas) December 18, 2022 – Right On Crime, a national conservative criminal justice campaign, today released the extended research edition of our Employer Handbook, Unlocking Hidden Talent. Right On Crime published this handbook with the fundamental intent to assist employers in making informed decisions when considering individuals with criminal records for employment in their companies.
Estimates show between 600,000 to 800,000 ex-offenders are released from both state and federal prisons each year, ultimately arriving “on the doorsteps of our nation’s communities. In fact, over 10,000 individuals are released back into our communities each week. Understanding that nearly 95% of all individuals incarcerated in the United States are eventually released, it’s imperative to help them reenter communities with sustaining jobs, housing, and education opportunities to preserve public safety.
“As a former probation and parole officer, I saw first-hand the struggles and barriers faced by persons seeking employment who had criminal backgrounds,” said Scott Peyton, Director of Right On Crime. “This Employer Handbook is a great tool for employers. It provides data, testimonials, and important contact information regarding programs like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Federal Bonding program.”
Right On Crime brings the handbook to life in the form of the Right On Crime Employer Engagement forums in states across the country which are recapped on our Right On Crime website. You can also download a condensed version of Unlocking Hidden Talent: An Employer Handbook here.
“If you want to reduce crime, and you want to provide a strength to your communities and the families in your community, a job is the best indicator for success,” said Right On Crime Executive Director and former U.S. Attorney, Brett Tolman. “
STUDY KEY POINTS
- Employers oftentimes overlook the population of individuals with criminal backgrounds when developing their workforce.
- Research and studies point out that individuals with criminal backgrounds have proven to be loyal and dedicated employees.
- In 2014, the population of individuals unemployed due to a criminal background accounted for a $78–87 billion loss in GDP.
- Employing individuals with criminal records is key.