Research group says jobs keep inmates from returning to prison

By William Patrick

Ex-cons need jobs.  That’s the simple takeaway from a new report by Florida TaxWatch, a non-partisan government watchdog.  The Tallahassee-based research institute released a criminal justice reform report this week in which it spotlights Florida’s high rate of recidivism, or when freed inmates relapse into criminal behavior and return to prison.   “Employment keeps people out of our prisons,” said Florida TaxWatch Center for Smart Justice Co-Chairman Kenneth Bell, who’s also a former state supreme court justice.

Putting released inmates to work would increase public safety and help combat Florida’s over-incarceration problem, the group contends. That problem, incidentally, is costing taxpayers billions.
Christopher Torres, a veteran state prosecutor-turned Tallahassee criminal defense attorney, agrees. Torres told Watchdog.org in an interview that more of the funding pouring into the state criminal justice system needs to go towards teaching inmates job skills and trades.......To Read More....