The Georgia Department of Driver Services and Georgia Department of Corrections recently launched an additional phase of an offender reentry program aimed at reducing recidivism.
The DDS’ Mobile Licensing Issuance Unit traveled to Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto and issued more than 70 official state identification cards to qualified offenders scheduled for release within the year. According to a DDS news release, the ability for offenders to be released with official identification, and not an inmate identification card, improves the chances for them to secure employment and housing -- "both necessities for positive return to our communities."
“Since taking office, I have it a priority to implement criminal justice reforms and effective reentry initiatives,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “Thanks to our reforms, including reshaping and strengthening our reentry mechanisms, Georgia is now the national standard-bearer in this area. By recognizing the close link between successful reentry and recidivism reduction, today we are taking yet another step forward in providing individuals released from Georgia prisons with the support necessary to succeed when returning to their respective communities.”
Since August 2016, the collaboration between DDS and GDC has resulted in over 11,000 IDs being provided to eligible rehabilitated offenders.
“Providing state identification cards prior to their release eliminates a huge obstacle for returning individuals who want to restart their lives and be positive contributors to their communities. This partnership with GDC is a key component to eliminating the patterns that result in recidivism,” said DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore.
“This initiative is furthering our mission to reduce recidivism and allow our offenders to return to society as law abiding citizens,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “We are proud to partner with our colleagues at DDS to provide this important step in the reentry process.”
