The Georgia Department of Driver Services and Department of Corrections recently launched an additional phase of an offender reentry program aimed at reducing recidivism. Starting this month, the DDS’ Mobile Licensing Issuance Unit traveled to Lee Arrendale State Prison campus. More than 70 official state id cards were issued to qualified offenders scheduled for release within the year. (Full Story)
Supporters say official id instead of inmate id cards, improve the chances for offenders to get jobs and housing.
“Since taking office, I have made it a priority to implement criminal justice reforms and effective reentry initiatives,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “Thanks to our reforms, including reshaping and strengthening our reentry mechanisms, Georgia is now the national standard-bearer in this area.
Since August 2016, the collaboration between DDS and GDC has resulted in over 11,000 IDs being provided.
The joint project includes three types of issuances:
Phase I
Returning offenders who had a current and valid DDS record on file were reissued a state identification card or driver’s license which was provided to GDC to distribute prior to release.
Phase II
Returning offenders who had a DDS record but lacked Real ID documentation. GDC worked to help the inmate secure an original birth certificate and/or social security number or other required documentation. GDC transmitted documentation to DDS who provided an updated card to GDC for the returning citizen.
Phase III
DDS provided on campus mobile issuance to returning offenders who needed photographs and signatures for state ID issuance. The cards are provided to GDC for distribution to the offender prior to release.