ex offenders getting into work

Mischa8

heretolearn wrote: »

nope STILL don't think I'm a bigot.

Did I say no ex-cons will turn their lives round? No. So don't pretend I did. Of course there are some who will succeed at this and thank goodness. But I don't care if you have ex-con mates who are now honest. What does that prove? Nothing. So I do, funnily enough. But facts are facts. The majority of ex-cons do re-offend. There's no arguing with the figures.

For example: Dig through table A2 of this report. http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/statistics/mojstats/2011-compendium-reoffending-stats-analysis.pdf/

It shows that the one year re-offending rate for males convicted of burglary and sentenced to up to 12 months, is 68%.

It's an interesting study as it studies the effect different types of sentencing have on the re-offending rates.

If they can't read or write, or they can't get a job, I'm sorry for them, but it's offensive to suggest that's motivation for committing burglary. How come other people who can't read or write, or who can't get a job, don't do the same thing?

Are people who commit crimes babies that they are incapable of making a decision for themselves? To say 'oh poor dears, they can't help it because of X' is actually extremely condescending about them. I at least credit them with their own intelligence and thought processes. My own son is dyslexic and can barely write but god you'll go a long way before you meet anyone with his IQ. Those who excuse criminal behaviour must think these people have any brains at all...

I have sympathy for people who are mentally ill and end up in the criminal system (too many, especially women). Otherwise, not much.

All I'm saying is put your money where your mouth is. Why is an employer going to believe that the OPs friend is one of the 32% who will not re-offend rather than the 68% who will? Some form of action as well as words...retraining, voluntary work, getting help with alcohol/anger problems, using resources such as NACRO will help the OPs friend be one of the 32%. What's wrong with that? If there's help there, take it!

Actually your defensive attitude does make you out to be a bit more of a bigot.

You seem to be setting these ex offenders up for a fall.

I agree if it is say a rapist, serious sex offender, murderer or has been involved in serious fraud then I would have doubts. But other ex criminals and especially those yes like my friends whose criminal career is in the distant past then yes why not give them a 2nd chance but only if you disclose your conviction.

A young man who's grown up in a deprived area especially years down the line of course they should be given a 2nd chance.

Myself as an employer I would endorse these schemes. It is a pity you can't ignore the stats and open your eyes.