Are There Jobs for Convicted Felons?

There may be as many as twelve million ex-felons in the United States of America, meaning that as much as eight percent of the working age population are seeking jobs for convicted felons who have completed their terms of service. In recent years, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has considered the Civil Rights Act to mean that before a company is able to bar jobs for ex-offenders, the company must show that there is a business necessity before the employer will be allowed to automatically ban the job for felons.

Some jobs, for convicted felons, such as health care or education cannot be fulfilled by former felons. Some statutes forbid licensing boards from allowing jobs for ex-offenders, while other boards are required to consider the applicant’s moral character, with a prior conviction being considered a valid indication of compromised moral character.

Some of the professions with licensing requirements that can prevent jobs for convicted felons are ambulance drivers, billiard room employees, physicians, attorneys, nurses, barbers, embalmers, pharmacists, realtors, accountants, septic tank cleaners, and alcoholic beverage sellers. However, some states have modified the relevant laws.

California, for example, has modified laws saying jobs for ex-offenders can only be prevented if the original offense was related to the qualifications, duties, or functions of the job which they are applying to fill. Texas law takes into account the relationship of the jobs for felons and the original offense, the time since the original activity, and if the person has letters of recommendation about the job.

Can Cell Blocks Keep Prisoners In?

A cell block is a unit within a prison or correctional facility that is comprised of multiple jail cells. Cell blocks enable correctional facilities to house a large number of convicts or those convicted of illegal acts in a highly organized and efficient manner.

The amount of units or jail cells within a cell block will vary based on the correctional facility and the respective security level attached to it. In most cases, cell blocks are comprised of dozens of jail cells and are organized based on name, date of violation, or the severity of the crime in question. Cell blocks are organized through lettering or numbers; for instance, a correctional facility can contain 6 cell blocks, with the first cell block appropriately labeled ‘cell block A’ and the last cell block labeled ‘cell block E.’

The cell block structure was designed to organize and keep correctional facilities running efficiently. The most common problem associated with an American correctional facility revolves around overcrowding. The cell block was created to mitigate population problems; by grouping inmates and their cells within a compact unit, the correctional facility is optimally using the limited space.

Typically, each cell block is patrolled or supervised by a team of prison guards or correctional officers. To properly execute their jobs, these guards simply can walk up and down the row of cells, while peering inside the cells to observe the inmates and their activity.

How Federal Prisons Function in the US

A federal prison
is a form of correctional facility in the United States, which is solely run by
the federal government. Correctional facilities or prisons can be run by state,
county or local authorities; as a result of its advanced and extended
resources, a federal prison is able to maximize security precautions and enable
the correctional facility to harbor the most dangerous or unsafe criminals.
That being said, federal prisons in the United States possess varying levels of
security, and in many cases, simply harbor those individuals who commit white
collar, or non-violent crimes.

As of 2008, the Federal Bureau of Prisons oversaw and maintained over 105
federal prisons. As stated before, the levels of security vary; in total the
federal prisons housed over 195,000 inmates, or 9% of the total prison
population of the United States. Similar to the security levels, prison
sentences within a federal prison will vary. A federal prison will house those
individuals who are convicted of any federal crime, however, individuals may
also be transported there if their original was overcrowded, or an increase in
security is needed.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has categorized federal prisons into five
distinct security levels. A minimum security facility contains a limited amount
of the 4th category, a low security Federal Correction Institution contains
double-fenced perimeters, and inmates live in cubicle or dormitory housing. A
medium security federal prison is classified to hold medium-security inmates. A
medium security federal prison has strengthened perimeters, which consist of
double fences and electronic detection systems. Although a medium security has
the label “medium” it is typically considered a high-security
facilities. These facilities, which comprise the remaining classifications, are
highly secured with reinforced fences, and walls.

Don’t Try to Break Out of a Maximum Security Prison!

Don't Try to Break Out of a Maximum Security Prison!

The scope of the United States’ legal system is incredibly expansive; every felony carries a different punishment in a coordinating prison or rehabilitation center. As a result of the legal system’s enormous breadth, the rehabilitation system is diversified to house the varying inmates based on the severity of crime committed. The different facilities that house inmates vary by security level; a maximum security prison for example, is the institution that holds the most dangerous inmates, or those individuals convicted of the most severe offenses such as murder or rape.

Each facility’s classification is categorized based on the security used to run the prison. Security measures, the administration of inmates, the types of housing, and the tactics or weapons used by corrections officers will greatly vary depending on the classification of the facility. The Bureau of Prisons, a federal government program, uses a 1 to 5 numbered scale to classify each security level.

A maximum security prison falls under the level 5 category or the most secure, while a minimum security prison is accordingly labeled as level 1. In a maximum security prison all prisoners have individual cells that possess sliding doors controlled from a remote control station. Prisoners within a maximum security prison are only allowed out of their cell for one hour a day; when out of their cells, the prisoners must remain the cell block or an exterior cage. The prisoners are constantly monitored by armed guards, and interaction between the prison communities is rare.

Within category 5 exists a level more secure than the maximum security prison. A super max prison facility provides the highest level of prison security. A super max prison holds those considered the most dangerous individuals; this includes inmates who have committed murders, gang violence, assaults, rapes, or other serious violations.

Inmates in a super max prison are kept under constant surveillance, in a facility that is secluded or heavily guarded by a natural confinement and armed officers. As a result of the dangerous inmates within a super max prison, the resources used to maintain order and discipline must be expansive.

Difference Between a Padded Cell and Prison Cell

Dissimilar to a prison cell, which is constructed with stainless steel and cement to house individuals convicted of a crime, a padded cell is typically found in mental institutions. Padded cells are small, enclosed rooms, which possess cushions that line the walls. The cell padding is instituted so that the mentally unstable don’t attempt to inflict pain on themselves.

Often times the patients who stay in a padded cell are suicidal or simply out of touch with reality–characteristics that would precipitate self-mutilation. The pads prevent patients from inflicting harm on themselves; if the rooms lacked cell padding an individual can bang his/her head against the cement wall causing great damage and perhaps even death.

A padded cell, which is often times referred to as a ‘rubber room’ are typically 8 feet by 10 feet. In addition to the walls being padded, the floor is also covered in a 4-inch deep padding to further prevent the individual from inflicting pain on him/herself. The cell padding on the walls is commonly made of strong canvas, which is then covered in a rubbery substance or paint.

The canvas is not one giant slab, but rather small patches, joined together to create a soft padding. The floors of a padded cell are usually covered in leather or cork crumbs. Unlike a prison cell door which is composed of stainless steel bars, the door to a padded cell is made of strong wood and only contains a small window for observational purposed. On the inside of the padded cell, the door is coated in thick padding backed by a rubber oval shape. The cell padding is a distinct feature of a padded cell, and is essential to protect the mentally unstable from harming themselves.

Life in a Prison Cell

A prison cell or jail cell is a small room (typically 6 by 8 feet in size) that is used to confine prisoners or those convicted of a wrongdoing. Prison cells are used to hold individuals alleged of an immoral act within a police station, and used to house prisoners convicted of a crime in a prison or rehabilitation facility. Prison cells are small rooms with steel or brick walls; one barred or solid door, which locks from the outside, is used to keep the prisoner confined in the small space.

The typical prison cell uses barred doors; however, many inmates especially, those with severe psychological problems are confined in a room with solid doors. These doors usually contain a small window that allows the prisoner to be observed, and a slot that allows guards to transfer the prisoner’s meals. The limited furnishings and fixtures within a jail cell are constructed to the cell itself; this makes the amenities impossible to move and difficult to damage.

A jail cell contains stainless steel toilets, a small sink, and a cot that contains one blanket and one pillow. Nothing else, other than books, letters, and in some cases selected items are allowed in the jail cell. The lack of items within a prison cell prevents vandalism and disables the prisoner from making weapons.

Each correctional facility is organized and aligned through different cell configurations. From simple police station holding cells to massive maximum security cell blocks, the organization of a correctional facility is designed based out of necessity in coordination with the facility’s population.

How to Create Crime Deterrence

Deterrence is an attempt to prevent a crime from taking place by creating such severe punishments that it will prevent an individual from committing a crime in the first place. Penology defines the effect that deterrence has on a felon in two categories.

Specific deterrence focuses on the particular felon in particular. This kind of deterrence seeks to prevent the felon from committing an additional crime and based on calculating the gravity of the crime in question.

General or indirect deterrence is the philosophy that is the consequences of committing a felony are very strong, are severe, and are well-publicized, it will act as a deterrent against further crime because it will prevent other individuals from becoming a felon because they will be intimidated by the punishments they know are awaiting them if they pursue a felonious course of action.

General deterrence operated not by targeting an individual felon and hoping that being given a harsh punishment will help the sentenced felon learn right from wrong, but will instead intimidate other individuals who would not want to be subjected to the same punishments from becoming felons in the first place.

The death penalty is an example of general deterrence. Incapacitation is considered another approach to specific deterrence. The general form of incapacitation is incarceration.

Deterrence has been criticized as being ineffective at accomplishing its goals. The efficiency of specific deterrence has been criticized since it cannot address crimes committed in the heat of the moment or while under the influence. General deterrence has been denounced as making an example out of a criminal, making it unfair to the individual felon.

Convicted Terrorist Guilty of Murder-to-Hire

On November 8, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina reported that Hysen Sherifi of Raleigh was found guilty of nine counts in a murder-for-hire conspiracy. Sherifi is believed to have conspired with two other people in order to retaliate against witnesses who provided evidence in Sherifi’s terrorism case.

Hysen Sherifi was indicted with his brother, Shkumbin Sherifi, and Nevine Elshiekh on February 21, 2012. Hysen Sherifi was previously sentenced to 45 years in prison on terrorism charges. During the second trial, evidence proved that Sherifi offered to pay a hitman between November 2011 and January 22, 2012 to murder three witnesses and behead them. Sherifi now faces life in prison for the charges.

Court documents show that Sherifi asked another inmate at the New Hanover County, North Carolina Detention Facility if he knew how to hire someone to commit a series of murder. The inmate then relayed the information to his attorney, and federal agents started an investigation in November of 2011.

$5,000 was given to an outside informant who the three defendants believed was paying the hitman. Staged photos were set up by federal agents, and Shkumbin sent photos of a dead body and a severed head to Hysen on the day they were arrested. Other evidence included recorded jail calls, recordings in and outside the prison, and testimony.

Sherifi is scheduled for sentencing on February 4, 2013.

U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Walker stated, “This conviction is further evidence of our resolve to pursue those who seek to attack our freedoms and destroy the way of life we all cherish. We will not waiver in our commitment to bring these individuals to justice.”

The investigation was led by Raleigh and Wilmington FBI Agencies and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

First Western MA Business Partners with ICE

On November 27, 2012, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that the first western Massachusetts company, Classic Site Solutions Inc, joined the ICE’s IMAGE program (Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers). Classic Site Solutions is a general contractor that specializes in green construction, restoration, and site security.

The IMAGE program provides information and training to employers to make sure the company is hiring employees authorized to work in the United States. The program includes I-9 audit training and E-verify training as well.

E-verify is an internet database used by employers around the United States. The website is run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and provides links to the Social Security Administration’s database as well as DHS immigration records.

Employers in the IMAGE program must complete I-9 forms for all applicants as well. The form requires the employer to record identifying documents and make sure the documents appear genuine.

Employers in the IMAGE program are still subject to HSI investigations. The IMAGE program protects the employer against prosecution if illegal workers still managed to gain employment after E-Verify and I-9 audits. HSI specifically looks for identification fraud and trafficking, and they work with a U.S. attorney’s office to prosecute an employer if they’re knowingly employing illegal workers.

Bruce M. Foucart, the special agent in charge of ICE’s HSI in Boston, stated: “When employers make a commitment to hire and maintain a lawful workforce, it's good not only for their business, but for the community and the nation.”

Foucart stressed that HSI will continue to investigate and prosecute employers who harbor illegal workers: “HSI will continue to hold employers accountable for hiring and maintaining a legal workforce. We encourage employers to take the employment verification process seriously, as we expand the number of audits we are conducting throughout New England each year. HSI will continue to focus its attention on employers that are knowingly employing illegal workers.”

Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Topeka Man Receives 33 Years for Christmas Eve Shooting

On November 26, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas announced that Matthew Daniel Myers from Topeka, Kansas was sentenced to 33 years in federal prison without parole. He fatally shot a clerk at a liquor store on Christmas Eve in 2011.

Myers pleaded guilty to one count of discharging a weapon during a crime of violence.

During the guilty plea, Myers admitted that he entered the Hudson Liquor store on 810 S.E. 15th in Topeka around 1:30 p.m. on December 24, 2011. He entered the store wearing a stocking cap and pajama pants, and he was holding a crowbar in his hand.

He demanded money from Matthew Hill, the clerk. Hill gave Myers the money but then attempted to reach for a .38 caliber pistol in a drawer. Myers stuck Hill with the crowbar, knocked him to the ground, and used the handgun in the drawer to shoot Hill.

Myers immediately started exiting the store but realized Hill was still alive. He walked back over to Hill and shot him in the head, and the entire murder was caught on camera.

The handgun used during the crime was never found by authorities, but DNA on the crowbar and stocking cap matched Myers’ DNA file.

Myers was initially facing charges in the state court but the charges were dismissed so the case could be prosecuted federally.

The Topeka Police Department, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor’s Office, the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Warner, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag worked on this case.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom stated: “We are targeting federal resources in the fight against violent crime. This case shows what we can do when we work together.”