Publications

The prison system both in the United States and Connecticut is a constant revolving door through which thousands pass each and every year. Unfortunately, many of those entering our prisons are formerly-incarcerated individuals returning after failing to make it on the outside. In Connecticut, over half of released prisoners return within three years of their release, thereby costing taxpayers millions of dollars.

This survey seeks to 1) identify the current practices and prevailing attitudes of large and small employers in Connecticut regarding the hiring of formerly-incarcerated job applicants; 2) examine what incentives or other factors might enhance the prospects of ex-offenders landing jobs; and 3) consider possible reforms or initiatives that might drive better outcomes in terms of reducing recidivism and turning Connecticut’s formerly-incarcerated population into productive, taxpaying members of their communities, thereby relieving some of the strains on Connecticut’s criminal justice and correction budgets.