The Baltimore City District Court is set to honor around 20 ex-offenders who have secured employment through the District Court Re-Entry Project (DCREP). The program's third graduation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 5, with Baltimore City Circuit Judge Nicole Pastore-Klein presiding over the event at noon in Courtroom 1 of the Borgerding District Court Building.
Jameel McClain, a former linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and member of their 2012 Super Bowl team, will deliver the keynote address. McClain currently serves as the Ravens’ Assistant Director of Player Engagement.
The DCREP provides defendants involved in criminal cases an opportunity to engage in job training as part of their probation conditions. A judge assigns a suitable job training organization to each participant. Upon successful completion, participants receive incentives such as conversion from supervised to unsupervised probation or early termination of probation. Additionally, those sentenced to minimal jail time may participate in lieu of serving time.
The program has grown to include pre-trial services, allowing defendants awaiting trial to learn new skills and find employment. Currently, 13 organizations are involved in preparing ex-offenders for various jobs including renewable energy installation, automotive repair, construction, catering, hospitality services, environmental cleaning and greening, warehouse work, office operations, and maritime transportation.
Judge Pastore-Klein initiated the DCREP after noticing that many ex-offenders struggled to find employment due to incarceration or having a criminal record. She collaborated with existing programs in Baltimore and launched this initiative for the Baltimore City District Court in September 2016.
The media is invited to attend this event but must obtain prior approval for camera use and consent from individuals being photographed. For more information or questions about attending the ceremony, contact the Maryland Judiciary Division of Government Relations and Public Affairs at 410-260-1488.