In Maine, prisoners are thriving in remote jobs, other states are taking notice
4 hours ago
- #Maine
- #prison-reform
- #remote-work
- Incarcerated individuals in Maine are finding new opportunities through remote work, leveraging limited internet access for education and employment.
- Preston Thorpe, a senior software engineer, built a successful career from prison, earning a six-figure salary and buying a house.
- Thorpe's employer, Turso CEO Glauber Costa, was initially unaware of his incarceration and found him to be a reformed individual with a clean background check.
- Darlene George, serving a 40-year sentence, works remotely as a program coordinator, contributing meaningfully to a healthcare company and inspiring fellow inmates.
- Maine's Department of Corrections pioneered remote work policies, leading to improved prison environments, reduced violence, and better transitions for inmates post-release.
- Remote work programs in Maine have led to a significant decrease in assaults on staff, from 87 in 2017 to just 7 last year.
- Commissioner Randall Liberty highlights the benefits of remote work, including meaningful employment, financial responsibility, and safer prison conditions.
- The success of these programs is encouraging other states to consider similar initiatives, with hopes of expanding remote work opportunities for more incarcerated individuals.