Q: What can you tell us about the Reentry Program?
A: This program seeks to offer county-sentenced (all sentences are less than one year and for non-egregious crimes) offenders the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and make improvements to their lives so that they can become productive members of society. My goal as sheriff is to make these people better than when they came to jail.Â
Q: What does the program offer?
A: We offer mental health services if needed and also education. Many of these folks, while in jail, have participated in jobs such as in the culinary department or on work squads doing labor such as carpentry or landscaping. In fact we’ve teamed up with First Coast Technical College and principal Chris Force to offer a certificate program for skills such as small engine repair and culinary. We also offer resume advice and interview training.
Q: How can local companies help?
A: Our goal is to help these people get good employment after they are released from jail, preferably near where they live. We have people in the jail from every walk of life and from every area and community of St. Johns County.
We are seeking local businesses, especially in northern St. Johns County, to partner with. We know businesses are looking for people to work, and we have many qualified and motivated people who will soon be released that could be interviewed for open positions. We allow our partner businesses to come into the jail for interviews and plan to have a job fair soon.
Q: If a local business is interested in partnering with SJSO for this program, what should they do?
A: Our Reentry Coordinator, Lt. Keith Melton, assesses each individual to determine the best solution for his or her future, so businesses can be assured that we have spent months choosing the best candidates who sincerely want to work and change their future. Businesses that are interested in partnering with us for this program should contact him at (904) 209-1983.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you with any questions or suggestions about this article?
A: They can email me at sheriff@sjso.org or call me at (904) 824-8304. Also, our website, www.sjso.org has a wealth of resources, from alarm registration to Crime Stoppers to our Neighbors app.
