Correctional Industry

[brandon]

Hey,
I did a search and did not find anything but maybe I am putting it in wrong. And not sure what this would fall under so I apologize if this is in the wrong spot. But here goes. Our best employee of a couple of years used to be in the "system" for several years. He is an amazing screen printer and great guy all around. Our newest employee was incarcerated as well and just got out. He is in a half way house. So far he is very good in the reclaiming and ink rooms. Moving him onto stretching screens this week. He is learning fast and really wants to be at work. So here goes - I am thinking about contacting someone in the State Department of Corrections and seeing how I can go about interviewing people who have an interest in work already being set up when they get out. Washington State has a few prisons with embroidery and screen printing shops set up in them. And I am not talking little operations. I am almost positive there was some sort of post about this maybe a year ago. But anyway, is anyone on this forum doing this? I look at it this way - we can get people in here that want to be here with very good pay and get good results and in the process we are helping them out with a job and also keeping them out of trouble with a job. Just seeing if anyone else is doing this. If not I will let you know how things progress over the next few weeks as I make contact with the State.

[Gilligan]

Being the liberal I am, I of course like this idea.

But as you can imagine... for every good one that comes out there is another 10 that will go back (that stat is completely made up, but you get my point).

[Inkworks]

A good job probably is a big part of those who make it without ending up back in the clink. Good on ya Brandon!

[Printficient]

The shop that does 800-1200 screens a day uses a lot of work release people.

[mk162]

That is the key is finding people that don't want to go back.  We have had both here, one of our best employees was in federal prison on drug charges.  He racked up so many charges on one bust that if he got busted for anything he would go back for a minimum of 30 years.

Finding a person like that would be key, much better than finding the people that don't care if they go back.

[brandon]

So after a couple of weeks wading through the system I have made contact with all of the right people in charge. And they are loving it that we are contacting them. This week or next is where we set something up and hopefully soon have some more skilled people in here that

A. want to be here

B. have to be here as part of their release

c. want to learn even more and get paid for a job well done

Wish me luck. I will update this thread from time to time

[Sbrem]

Being the liberal I am, I of course like this idea.

But as you can imagine... for every good one that comes out there is another 10 that will go back (that stat is completely made up, but you get my point).

I'm not sure what being liberal has to do with that, as I'm conservative and have hired a dozen or so from the local work release program over the years. Of course, you have to be careful, because many do try to break the rules they work under. All these folks deserve a chance to make it up, but you have to understand that many are just blowing smoke you know where. They talk a good game, but don't carry through. So, hire some, stay on your toes, give someone a chance, even if it's a risk. I know more than a few that cleaned up their acts and went on to having a decent life for themselves. I still hear from some on occasion. Some of the guys though, once you have a few conversations/bull sessions, you know they are always looking for the easiest route, even if it's illegal.

Steve

[royster13]

Most folks can not really be slotted into "Liberal" or Conservative"......In reality most folks may lean 1 way or the other but cross over from time to time......

[Gilligan]

Steve, I was mainly playing off the stereotype that I get pigeoned holed into.

Liberals stereotypically don't like the penal system, so ergo if I'm a liberal then I must not like the penal system and all criminals are wrongly convicted.

[tpitman]

Most folks can not really be slotted into "Liberal" or Conservative"......In reality most folks may lean 1 way or the other but cross over from time to time......

Yup. The liberal gun-control freak will change their tune tout-de-suite after a mugging or home-invasion, and the conservative pro-lifer will scare up an abortionist rapido for their 15 year-old Susie when they find out their prospective "son-in-law" is black and "junior" is on the way . . .

[Sbrem]

Yeah I know, gill, I was trying to point out that crap, as well as putting in that it's good for the soul to help someone out, especially men and women in that position. The good for the soul part is an after affect; it's not the reason for doing something good for someone, it's just a pleasant extra. There's no guilt in giving a hand, but it should just be your/my hand, not someone else's who doesn't know there giving...

Steve

Tom, saw your post after I finished typing. I realize you're tweaking noses, but I would not do that, and I won't go into it, but I get your point. Ideals can be challenged.

[tpitman]

Perhaps it might be more accurate to say that most of us have had the good fortune to not find our professed beliefs challenged in matters of life-threatening necessity. I know I have.

[terryei]

I'm a conservative, gun owner/FFL. So What!
I have hired over 20 cons.  Mostly young men from a local center.  Sure a few of them made it in the real world, most didn't some dead already at an early age.  (stabbed, shot, etc)  Was it worth it.  I guess.  The shop was located in a rough area and just a hadful of guys worked there.  I would personally handle the new ones.  Wanted to see how much they could be pushed before fist would fly.  I stopped hiring because we consolidated our production with retail.  The things that went on back then couldn't be seen by customers.  Would I do it again?  Maybe.  Some guys were helped a lot....Some never will be!  It was difficult but I did feel I gave a little more back.    If you are looking for cheap help this is not the way to go.  If you are looking to help out, go local. 
Good Luck
terry

[mk162]

I think I posted earlier it really depends on the type person you hire.  Some want to get out of the system.  Others will stay in it forever.

[brandon]

And we have the head of both the womans and mens departments coming down on Tuesday. Should be interesting. I will post whatever I find out!

Have a good rest of the weekend, I am out!