What can ex-offenders bring to the table?

Financial benefits. Employers may be eligible for up to $9,000 in tax credits for hiring a formerly convicted employee who meets the criteria of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program.
Enthusiasm. Former prisoners are more aware than anyone how difficult it is to find a job. Experts say most of them appreciate an opportunity and are willing to start at the bottom and work their way up to prove themselves.
Practical skills. Many inmates leave prison with skills they have learned through training programs while incarcerated. These skills often are valued by construction or roofing businesses – what Krannich calls "hot, heavy work."
Loyalty. "In many cases, employers with a history of hiring ex-offenders find them to be hard workers, loyal and appreciative of the opportunity," he said. "Don't be afraid to look at that big talent pool. There is a lot of good talent out there and a lot of damaged people."
Acceptable risk. The "hazard rate" for a first-time arrestee for robbery after seven-and-a-half years is the same as someone who has never been convicted, according to research at Carnegie Mellon University. For someone arrested for aggravated assault, the risk to employers disappears after four years with no subsequent criminal activity.

"Unfortunately, the criminal justice system has become part of the American experience," Wiese says. "This group of people IS our workforce. If we want to benefit from everyone's maximum potential, we must stop perpetually punishing people who have paid their debt and allow them to give back at their highest potential."

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Can hiring former prisoners be rewarding?

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