Employer Perspectives on Former Offenders: An Analysis of How a Criminal Record Impacts the Hiring Decisions of Durham-Based Employers

How does a criminal record affect the hiring decisions of Durham-based employers? What, if any, services or incentives might increase the likelihood of these employers hiring former offenders? Roughly 700 individuals return to Durham each year after serving time in state prison. These individuals face a variety of indirect consequences known as collateral consequences. Often more severe and long-lasting than imprisonment or fines, collateral consequences include the denial of parental rights, civil rights, and public benefits. These collateral consequences also render justice-involved individuals ineligible or unfit for various types of employment.

Re-entry into the labor market remains one of the most challenging situations ex-offenders face. At the same time, a sizeable body of research consistently demonstrates that employment is correlated with a successful reentry to society. In determining potential ways to improve this population’s employment prospects, an important first step is to understand the barriers that limit their opportunities.