DOC Work Release Helps Inmates Re-enter Society
WASHINGTON -- When most people walk out of a state prison they've got just $40 and a bus pass. It can make for a tough transition back into society. Which is why the Department of Corrections is making work release available to a select few.
This program allows offenders to get a head start on starting their lives over. Action News followed an inmate who just started work release from Coyote Ridge in Connell as he went on the job hunt.
Alex Bennett was an honor student until he began shooting meths with his friends.
"I did whatever I had to do to get drugs," he says.
Burglary and drugs landed him in prison. Meth had reduced him to just 120 pounds. But in prison Alex says he swore off drugs even though there were plenty around. He also gained 80 pounds. This motivation to get clean and get healthy is critical in the tough job search that's ahead for Alex.
"Job searching doesn't give me a chance to give up. If I want to give up I go back to prison," says Alex.
Those accepted for work release leave prison and move to the work release facility where they're still technically incarcerated. Alex has to pay rent to stay there, so he'll need to start working soon.
"Right now I'm going to Subway, [the manager] told me to keep going back and bugging her and get my face in there," says Alex.
He must check the box on a job application that says he's a felon. So Alex turns on the charm when he gets into the Subway, and explains the state will put up a $25,000 bond to protect the business if he's hired. He says they'll never need it.
"I've made bad mistakes but I know I'm a good person and I know I can do right," says Alex.
No luck yet....no luck when he headed to Taco Bell, either.
But Alex stays positive, "On to the next!" he exclaims.
But he's turned away again at Burger King.
"The hiring manager is not here," Alex says as he walks out.
He must keep detailed notes of the efforts he's made. He has to prove he completed 45 job searches each week. So we head back to Subway, where the manager tells me she's hired work release inmates before, and they make loyal employees.
"They have a desire and a need to learn; more so than just anyone off the streets who doesn't have that need so much. These people need to have a chance they need to have a life," says Jennifer Dole-Koopman.
Persistence pays off, she promises to talk with Alex again next week.
This sparks dreams of independence.
"I want to pay bills! I've never paid bills before. I want to pay bills. I want to have my own place. I don't want to rely on my family I want to be independent," he tells Action News.
He'll have plenty of bills, Alex has to start paying restitution for his crimes. He gladly accepts that responsibility, and is working to right his wrongs. He just needs an employer to give him that opportunity.
"Eventually someone will give me that second chance. Because I know I'm a good person," Says Alex.
Work release inmates are three percent less likely to re-offend.
It also costs Washington $70 a day to house them in work release instead off $100 a day in prison. No violent offenders or sex offenders are able to participate in the program.
This program allows offenders to get a head start on starting their lives over. Action News followed an inmate who just started work release from Coyote Ridge in Connell as he went on the job hunt.
Alex Bennett was an honor student until he began shooting meths with his friends.
"I did whatever I had to do to get drugs," he says.
Burglary and drugs landed him in prison. Meth had reduced him to just 120 pounds. But in prison Alex says he swore off drugs even though there were plenty around. He also gained 80 pounds. This motivation to get clean and get healthy is critical in the tough job search that's ahead for Alex.
"Job searching doesn't give me a chance to give up. If I want to give up I go back to prison," says Alex.
Those accepted for work release leave prison and move to the work release facility where they're still technically incarcerated. Alex has to pay rent to stay there, so he'll need to start working soon.
"Right now I'm going to Subway, [the manager] told me to keep going back and bugging her and get my face in there," says Alex.
He must check the box on a job application that says he's a felon. So Alex turns on the charm when he gets into the Subway, and explains the state will put up a $25,000 bond to protect the business if he's hired. He says they'll never need it.
"I've made bad mistakes but I know I'm a good person and I know I can do right," says Alex.
No luck yet....no luck when he headed to Taco Bell, either.
But Alex stays positive, "On to the next!" he exclaims.
But he's turned away again at Burger King.
"The hiring manager is not here," Alex says as he walks out.
He must keep detailed notes of the efforts he's made. He has to prove he completed 45 job searches each week. So we head back to Subway, where the manager tells me she's hired work release inmates before, and they make loyal employees.
"They have a desire and a need to learn; more so than just anyone off the streets who doesn't have that need so much. These people need to have a chance they need to have a life," says Jennifer Dole-Koopman.
Persistence pays off, she promises to talk with Alex again next week.
This sparks dreams of independence.
"I want to pay bills! I've never paid bills before. I want to pay bills. I want to have my own place. I don't want to rely on my family I want to be independent," he tells Action News.
He'll have plenty of bills, Alex has to start paying restitution for his crimes. He gladly accepts that responsibility, and is working to right his wrongs. He just needs an employer to give him that opportunity.
"Eventually someone will give me that second chance. Because I know I'm a good person," Says Alex.
Work release inmates are three percent less likely to re-offend.
It also costs Washington $70 a day to house them in work release instead off $100 a day in prison. No violent offenders or sex offenders are able to participate in the program.
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