LINCOLN- The Nebraska Center for Justice Research, a legislatively funded think tank that has explored ways the state could build programs to help prisoners integrate back into society, is now looking to employers to fill the gaps. Ryan Spohn, director of the center, said his team has been working closely with employers to gain first-hand accounts of what is or isn't working in the state's effort to transition incarcerated individuals into the labor force.

"If we want individuals to be gainfully employed, we have to have employers," said Spohn, "What are the successes they're seeing? What are the challenges and barriers employers experience in hiring justice-involved individuals in Nebraska?" The Center issued a 25-page report with this anecdotal data contained within it, and is set to be shared with state lawmakers, the Department of Corrections, and other interested stakeholders.

One manufacturing supervisor, who is cited in the report, said one of the barriers he has experienced is wanting to hire a formerly incarcerated applicant, but having the goalposts continue to be moved by a state case manager. Among other barriers cited by employers were drug tests that conflict with work hours, difficult communication and collaboration with work release centers, and inmate skill deficits.

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