RACIAL DISPARITIES IN THE LAW Created by: Cathi, Nicole, Eunice and Jeanell

Barriers for entering society after imprisonment Invasion of Privacy: Most states make criminal history information accessible to the general public through the internet, making it extremely easy for employers and others to discriminate against people on the basis of old or minor convictions, for example to deny employment or housing. Housing: Many public housing authorities deny eligibility for federally assisted housing based on an arrest that never led to a conviction. Voting: All but two states restrict the right to vote in some way for people with criminal convictions.

Employment Barriers Only 10 states do not allow an employer to consider an arrest that did not lead to conviction as a reason for not hiring someone. In most states an employer can fire or refuse to hire anyone with a criminal record, regardless of the individual circumstances or history. Many states have the ability to offer a certificate of rehabilitation, but most states don’t

Public Assistance and Food Stamps Anyone convicted of a drug related felony is banned from receiving assistance in the form of food stamps for life Only 12 states have opted out of that ban

Access to Criminal Record Although states have the right to expunge or seal criminal records, particularly those that do not lead to conviction, they typically never do. Anyone on the internet can access your information concerning criminal records with no ramifications 33 states do not allow sealing or expunging of conviction records 28 states actually allow internet access and will post the records on the internet

Driver’s Licenses 27 states automatically suspend or revoke a drivers license for drug convictions for at least 6 months. If you can’t drive it makes it tough to get a job. 32 states offer restrictive licenses, 18 do not.

Report Card The Legal Action Center graded all 50 states on how many laws and policies were in place to create and maintain roadblocks to those leaving prison. Colorado was in the worst category.

What are some of the key factors that limit the options of ex-offenders? Forever being classified as a second class citizens. Mandatory collateral consequences (securing employment, housing, benefiting from educational or vocational training) and social stigma. Rights and status changed or taken away (right to vote, public assistance and food stamp) Prisoners face changes in society, technology, and economic trends. The support of family members (marriage and relationships)

How does the carceral system extend beyond the prison walls and continue to keep ex-offenders within a system of surveillance and control? Probation/Parole Probation and parole exist for law breakers to serve little to no time in prison. If a felon has been hit given either probation or parole she would have be monitored by their probation/parole officer. The ex-offender will have to have to follow strict guidelines to ensure they would not end up in prison. The ex- offender would have multiple check-ins, drug tests, and so much more for a set amount of time. Their travel will be restricted unless given permission to leave the state.

Ankle Monitors An ankle device is used to keep track of individuals that are placed on house arrest by the courts. This device monitors the locations of offenders at timed intervals. Typically, the monitor will restrict a law breaker’s range of motion. Meaning that if an offender roams too far, it will send an alert to law enforcement immediately. Some ankle bracelets are set to create a curfew for offenders and some monitors alcohol intake.

Sex Offenders Sex offenders in my opinion are under the most control. They have to follow strict guidelines. Depending on the crime, sex offenders will have life time supervision. They cannot live within a certain distance from schools, parks, and other places where children dwell frequently. The public will have access to any sex offender’s file. All sex offenders will have to register with the state registry. They will need to constantly update the registry if they move or change anything about themselves. Their lives are public knowledge.

Chicago’s Surveillance System In Chicago, you can see a blue light. Under that blue light, there is a surveillance camera. Police Observation Devices are used to monitor crimes and suspected criminals in low income neighborhoods. It has been said that these cameras are deterring crime, but it is suspected that the cameras are not being monitored as often.