South Carolina probation offices distribute laptops to help offenders find jobs

The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services announced an effort to help offenders seek employment.

Under the new program, 21 laptops were distributed to probation and parole county offices for offenders to use while searching for employment.

The laptops are equipped with wireless modems and have programs installed that will help with the tasks needed for job searches.

The programs help create resumes, cover letters, PowerPoint presentations, and more.

Offenders can also use these laptops to participate in the programs required to meet the conditions of their supervision, such as Batterer’s Intervention, Substance Use Education, and Sex Offender Treatment.

Depending on how much they are used, laptops will be moved to other county offices on a rotating schedule to improve access for offenders across the state seeking employment.

Use of the laptops will be monitored, and the laptops will not be loaned to offenders on an individual basis.

SCDPPPS has an active offender population of 22,610 and about 26% of those offenders are currently unemployed.