Do offenders deserve a second chance to get a job and turn their lives around?
We think so, as does our criminal justice system. That's why we have specialty courts, community service, probation and restorative justice programs, as well as education and vocational opportunities for prisoners.
Another initiative to reduce crime will become law if Gov. Jay Nixon signs a bill designed to remove an employment obstacle for offenders who commit to "going straight."
The bill would seal criminal records for certain offenders who complete their sentences and avoid future convictions.
Jefferson City's state representative, Republican Jay Barnes, shepherded the proposal he said "is designed to give credit to those Missourians who made mistakes in their lives but who paid their debt to society and have turned their lives around."
Securing employment is a traditional path for offenders who seek to turn their lives around, but criminal history frequently is an obstacle to getting hired.
Michael Barrett, who leads the Missouri Public Defender System, calls unemployment the primary factor driving repeat offenses.
"I can't think of a single initiative," he said, "that will do more to improve public safety, help the economy and reduce the reliance on public benefits."
Specifics of the legislation include: records could be sealed after seven years for felonies and three years for misdemeanors; dangerous felonies, including sex offenses, domestic violence and other violent crimes are not eligible; and prosecutors and law enforcement personnel would retain access to the sealed records.
Any criticism of the measure largely has contended it does not go far enough. Even the Missouri Press Association, an advocate for openness, has not registered opposition. Executive Director Mark Maassen called it "a reasonable adjustment, giving people a second chance."
People make mistakes, and our justice system is designed both to punish offenses and discourage repetition.
Criminals waste potential and burden society; employees produce and contribute to community. We urge the governor to sign this bill into law.