While April was Second Chance Month, Oakland County continues to recognize the importance of raising awareness about the obstacles faced by more than 70 million Americans with a criminal record and unlocking opportunities for them to succeed.

Oakland County keeps residents safe from crime, ensures that all people are treated fairly by the criminal justice system, and helps put offenders on the path to productive lives as part of the Public Safety & Fairness in the Criminal Justice System goal in our five-year road map.

Fair and equal justice in Oakland County requires opportunities for rehabilitation and redemption.

Approximately one in three American adults has a criminal record, which drastically limits their access to work, education, housing, and other things necessary to reach their full potential. A recent study conducted by two University of Michigan Law School professors found that those whose criminal records are set aside experience “a sharp upturn in their wage and employment trajectories.”

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