South Carolina probation agency distributes 21 laptops to county offices to help offenders with job searches

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina probation officials have begun a new program aimed at helping offenders look for jobs.

The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services said Monday it is providing 21 laptop computers to the agency’s county offices that can be used by offenders looking for work. The computers have wireless modems and are set up with software that can be used to create resumes, cover letters and PowerPoint presentations.

Offenders can also use the computers to participate virtually in the programs required to meet
the conditions of their supervision. This includes programs such as batterer’s intervention, substance use education and sex offender treatment, the agency said.

The computers will be monitored and can be moved from county to county to provide better access, the agency said.

The agency said it currently has an active offender population of 22,610. About 26% of those people are unemployed.

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Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13 . He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook , X, formerly Twitter , and read more of his work here .

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