Arizona Governor Doug Ducey expanded a program to give second change opportunities for constituents with criminal backgrounds.
On Monday, Gov. Ducey signed an executive order requiring all State agencies to adopt new hiring practices. He wants to ensure that those who served time in prison and released to the society have second chance opportunities.
The governor’s executive order indicated that approximately 1.5 million adults in Arizona have arrests or conviction records. Offenders who find employment following release are less likely to go back in prison. As a result, the state government saves taxpayers resources and contributes to economic improvement.
In a statement, Gov. Ducey said all Arizonans deserve the second chance to make a living no matter their background or past mistakes. They deserve a better life for themselves and their families.
According to him, “This is not only right, it will mean more people with jobs, and less people returning to prison.”
Arizona residents with past criminal convictions experience significant problems getting a job. A criminal conviction reduces someone’s chances of receiving a call-back for a job interview by almost 50%, according to research.
Arizona Second Chance Box Policy
Under the new policy called Second Chance Box, Gov. Ducey instructed the Department of Administration to develop new hiring procedures.
