The Western District of New York announced on Thursday the launch of a new initiative that offers job skills training to individuals who are completing prison time and are ready to reenter society. One of the hopes of the "Smart On Crime" initiative is to discourage those individuals from returning to prison.
Acting US Attorney JP Kennedy joined peers inside the Environmental Education Associates facility on Austin Street in Buffalo to explain the initiative. Standing behind him were several individuals undergoing asbestos removal and remediation training. Some of the trainees are working under the Smart On Crime initiative.
In 2013, the Justice Department began a review of the criminal justice system to determine where reforms might be possible, especially in an era of budget cuts. Among the goals set by the review was ensuring that resources were devoted to top law enforcement priorities.
Kennedy used a hammer as a metaphor, saying that those who have only a hammer in the tool kit looks at every problem like a nail. While law enforcers will continue to pursue the toughest punishments possible, there's a recognition that other tools are more effective, so to speak, with certain individuals and cases.
Kennedy says Smart On Crime is a literal and figurative opportunity for these individuals to clean up.
"It's a win-win situation," he said. "These individuals are gaining the skills that they need to be able to reenter the workforce, while they're also helping the community by providing more skilled laborers, as we continue in both Buffalo and Rochester to enjoy a resurgence in our economic development."
In addition to the asbestos remediation training, a second program offers 30 individuals in Buffalo and Rochester training in forklift operation.
Among those participating inside EEA's facility Thursday morning was Rodney Sheard, who was previously convicted of operating a criminal enterprise and recently served 16 years in prison for the crime. He was supposed to serve 20 years but he explained that he had a year removed for good behavior and other time removed upon getting involved in programs to prepare for life beyond bars.
He had no job awaiting him upon his release. But he's eager to take as many courses as he can and build a new career.
"I understand that they have supervisor training for this," he told reporters. "Mr. Reed (his instructor) also mentioned mold and other classes that they have here. I'm looking to get into just about everything that they have, if I can."
There is also a program for at-risk youth under Smart On Crime, known as "Recycle-A-Bicycle." Based in the Matt Urban Hope Centers in Buffalo, the program provides participants with a stripped-down bike. The youth learn how to reassemble them and even modify them as they see fit. Once the bikes are built, the youth are educated in traffic safety and riding etiquette.
Upon completion of the course, the participants are provided a set of lights, a lock and helmet and get to keep the bicycle.
