Skip to Content

Inmates leaving gangs, stripping tats for jobs, better lives

KTVZ

By MICHAEL TARM
AP Legal Affairs Writer

WHEATON, Ill. (AP) — A novel gang-cessation and jobs program at a Chicago-area jail is giving inmates a chance to escape their gang lives. They’re also able to take advantage of a greater willingness among businesses to hire ex-inmates amid pandemic-driven labor shortages. A focus of the program at the DuPage County Jail is a new tattoo-removal wing where program participants remove or cover their gang tattoos to prove they’re serious about wanting out of their gangs. By forsaking their previous lives, they risk reprisal from gangs to which they swore lifelong loyalty. The program includes classes on horticulture, welding and other trades. Participants hope new job opportunities and other benefits of disentangling themselves from lives of violence will outweigh the risks.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content