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A new program in Wayne County aims to keep criminals out of jail

Prison Education
"Prison education" by Se315 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Prison Education

A new program in Wayne County aims to keep criminals out of jail… by giving them a job. Job Court is the latest attempt by the state to reduce recidivism.

The program is new… and already in place in Marquette and Genesee counties. Only low-level, non-violent offenses will be considered – though some employers have nixed the idea of giving those convicted of shoplifting a job.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says the program is all about giving people a second chance to make the right decision…

Nessel said, “The most dangerous person out there is a person who has nothing to lose and we want to give them something to lose and as a good-paying job with benefits”

Officials say 450 people will be employed through Job Court in the coming year. The program costs nearly five million dollars annually.

Russ McNamara is a reporter and host of All Things Considered for 101.9 WDET, presenting local news to the station’s loyal listeners.