The Impact of Criminal Justice Reform and the Workforce

On the days when she needs inspiration Kristen Ostertag opens her wallet and pulls out a handwritten note. The words she reads are her own. They are the reason she decided to go to college, change careers, and never look back.

This panel discussion focuses on the initiatives it takes to improve the workforce and criminal justice system in the State of Texas. 

Key aspects of this reform include reducing incarceration rates, promoting alternatives to incarceration, and implementing measures to address issues such as recidivism. 

“I believe everyone on this panel shares the same goal,” said Jason Clark, chief of staff for The Texas Department of Criminal Justice. “That goal is to make Texas the best place to live and the safest state in America.” 

One major aspect of criminal justice reform in Texas is the emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system. This approach aims to reduce recidivism and to help individuals gain the skills and support needed to re-enter the workforce successfully. 

“Collin County offers a pre-trial diversion program called PTD,” said Judge Angela Tucker, 199th District Court. “And one thing lots of people don’t know is that these types of programs cost money, so in terms of needing a job, we like for people, specifically employers, to know that most of these individuals have youthful offenses, or what I like to call knucklehead offenses.”

As a result of these program efforts, there is a growing need for professionals in fields such as social work, counseling, and legal services to support individuals as they navigate the criminal justice system and work towards rehabilitation and employment.

Additionally, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of hiring individuals with criminal records, leading to potential workforce expansion and more inclusive hiring practices. 

“One thing we try to indicate to employers is don’t leave talent on the table,” said Christina Crain, CEO of Unlocking Doors. “If you hire someone with a criminal background, nine times out of 10, they are going to be your best employee because of how grateful they are for the job opportunity, and they also know that if something goes wrong on the job site, they are going to be the first to be looked at, so they know they have to be doing everything appropriately.”

It has been the focus for many employers nationwide to be more intentional in expanding their hiring processes and alleviating some of the strict requirements to obtain employees with the skillsets needed to make their companies more successful, especially considering the work and labor shortages presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One thing I’d like to point out are the sheer numbers of people we have been able to hire once we became more intentional about hiring people with criminal records,” said Nan Gibson, executive director of JPMorgan Chase Policy Center. “In the last three to four years running, roughly 10% of our new hires have been people with criminal records. That represents about 4,600 across the country at JPMorgan.” 

The criminal justice reform in Texas is reshaping the state's workforce landscape by emphasizing rehabilitation, addressing inequalities, and creating opportunities for those impacted by the criminal justice system. This reform not only promotes social justice but also has the potential to bolster the Texas workforce by tapping into a previously underutilized pool of talent.

To view the video of this panel discussion, click here. For more information about the 2023 Collin Leadership Policy Summit, visit www.collin.edu/policysummit/.