Employers across Cleveland, County Durham and Darlington are being asked to share their thoughts about recruiting people who have previously committed crime. A survey has been launched by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger, Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg and local prison, probation and rehabilitation services, to consult with local businesses and organisations. Criminal justice agencies want to gain a greater understanding of employer’s attitudes to employing people who have previously offended and to find out how they may encourage them to consider it in the future.
Gaining employment plays a crucial role in preventing people from committing further crimes, however prisons report that just over 26% of prisoners enter employment on release. Cleveland PCC Barry Coppinger said: “One of my key commitments is to reduce the cycle of reoffending in Cleveland and employment can be a useful way for offenders to make positive changes in their lives. “Whether you would consider employing people who have previously offended or not, I would encourage you to fill out this short survey so we can better understand the views of businesses and organisations in our region.” Durham PCVC Ron Hogg said: “I believe most people who have offended hope for the chance to make a fresh start and contribute to society.
Whilst this isn’t the case for everyone, the responses to this survey will help us to better understand the concerns, or barriers, local organisations may have in offering opportunities to people who have offended. By working together we can help to reduce long-term cycles of re-offending.” Employers are encouraged to take part in the short survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/V2S8HYC The survey closes on 1st September 2017.
