Non-violent inmate firefighters can have records expunged in CA

I love this. I love this so much.

Not only do people re-offend, but on top of that kids can be forced to grow up without their dad because he is in prison, which make it more likely that they themselves will offend, creating a cycle.

I don't think this will break the cycle completely, but it is an amazing step forward. Especially since being a firefighter is a job explicitly geared towards helping other people. There is something so wholesome about this.

I’m a little conflicted about it.

On the one hand, yes, they’ve done us all a service, and this is a just reward.

OTOH, there’s something unsettling about a society using prisoners to do jobs like this in the first place.

Good laws can always be misused, but I think that's no reason not to try.
If these guys are brave enough to risk their lives (and there was nothing in it for them, until this idea) then give them a chance - I have a feeling that fires will become more common in the future, we're going to need them.

And, in general, what kind of jobs are ex-cons getting?
How many return to crime because they can't support themselves, or their families?
Firefighting is a well-respected job. People smile when they see firemen. A child can say proudly "My dad's away because he's fighting fires!"
And, for some young guys, an element of danger is an incentive. They wouldn't last a day behind a desk, but risking their lives, no problem.
This plan deserves a chance.

This bill is so long overdue. Many inmates find purpose and a life goal through the fire service, and have proven their ability to do the job well. It has been one of California's injustices that being released means the end of their dream.

Personally, I would not necessarily have argued for expunging the record, but rather, for creating an exception that would allow them to obtain certification in spite of it. I hope this law will be well used, and prove an aid to successful re-entry into society.

Introversion said:

I’m a little conflicted about it.

On the one hand, yes, they’ve done us all a service, and this is a just reward.

OTOH, there’s something unsettling about a society using prisoners to do jobs like this in the first place.

Click to expand...

There would be, if anyone were forced to do it. As things stand, however, inmate crews are strictly volunteers. In most cases, this is a strongly positive experience for them. The majority of prison inmates have a low level of education, a history of troubled families from the day they are born--meaning no support and seldom any phone calls or visitors--and they suffer from tremendously low self-esteem. For many, this is the first time in their lives that they are valued, and thanked for doing something to help others. It becomes a genuine pathway to redemption.

Low inmate wages are a separate issue, not restricted to the fire service, and are of ongoing concern. If you're interested in reading more about conditions, there is an in-depth interview by Efren Paredes, Jr., a prisoner serving a life-without-parole sentence in Michigan on a wrongful conviction of murder. In Part 10 of the interview installments, Efren talks specifically about prison work and wages. I may add, it's well worth reading the whole thing.