Massachusetts Initiative Offers Lifeline to Returning Citizens Through Mobile ID Program
Published: [Current Date]
A Massachusetts program is helping formerly incarcerated individuals obtain state identification cards before their release, addressing a critical barrier to accomplished reentry into society.This initiative is proving pivotal in securing employment, housing, and healthcare, directly impacting recidivism rates.
The Challenge of Reentry: An ID as a Key to freedom
Imagine facing a mountain of obstacles upon release from prison. Applying for a job, opening a bank account, cashing a check, or picking up a prescription—all require identification. For individuals who have been incarcerated for years, obtaining a valid ID can be an insurmountable hurdle to successful reintegration into society.
Recognizing this challenge, the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) has launched a crucial initiative: a mobile ID unit. This program, in partnership with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), enables prisoners to obtain their photos and signatures for state ID cards before their release, offering a vital lifeline to those re-entering society.
The Mobile ID Unit: A Concrete Step Forward
The mobile unit builds upon the existing “enhanced state ID program,” a two-year-old agreement between the DOC and RMV designed to streamline the process of obtaining legal identification for incarcerated individuals.Previously,while the state prison system assisted with ID acquisition,the program’s scope was limited to individuals with prior RMV identification.
The deployment of the mobile unit in March marked a notable leap forward,allowing for the collection of signatures and photos from prisoners in the months leading up to their release.
Hamza, also known as Joshua Berrios, a program participant, shared his experience: “They called me and a bunch of other fellas, and we went into this building. They took our picture — asked if we was OK with the picture — and they said that this is going to be our picture for our Mass. ID. And we’ll get our Mass. ID once we left the facility, and that they would hold it for us.”
After spending 15 years in prison, hamza is now employed in two part-time positions and one full-time role. He emphasizes the critical role of the ID in his success: “If I didn’t have my ID or any form of identification, then I would not be holding a job. So that’s very essential, right? Not only was I able to open a bank account, but also to land three jobs in the matter of five and a half months.”
Quantifiable Progress: Numbers Tell the Story
Advocates and DOC leaders agree that having an ID is paramount to restarting life after incarceration. DOC Commissioner shawn jenkins emphasizes the importance of identification for accessing housing, employment, and healthcare, stating: “In order to make those things work, people need an ID. You need an ID for payroll purposes when you’re working; you need an ID to live, right? and you need an ID — I got asked for an ID today to pick up a prescription.”
Last year,the RMV-DOC partnership issued nearly 700 IDs,with over 200 issued through the mobile unit. While this represents a significant increase compared to previous years, thes figures do not account for prisoners who already possess valid IDs or those who do not wish to obtain one.
| Year | Total IDs Issued (RMV-DOC) | IDs Issued via Mobile Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Last Year | ~700 | ~200+ |
| Previous Years | Significantly Lower (Specific data not provided) | N/A (Mobile unit launched last year) |
Addressing the Remaining Hurdles
Despite the program’s success, challenges persist.With nearly 1,600 individuals released from DOC prisons last year, many believe there is still much work to be done.State Sen.Jamie eldridge, a member of the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, acknowledges the program’s positive impact but points out existing roadblocks.
“There’s always going to be some gaps.And I will say, having gone to many criminal justice reform events, I do often meet someone who says, ‘Unfortunately, the system didn’t work. There was some gap.’ And the person still does not have an ID,”
Eldridge said.
One such obstacle is obtaining birth certificates,particularly for individuals born in other countries. Senator Eldridge urges those facing difficulties to contact his office or the administration for assistance: “I know the commitment is there. What I say to any returning citizen who’s had a problem and does not still have an ID is: email myself, email the administration. And we’ll try to get this straightened out and find out: What was the specific reason why someone did not get an ID?”
Eldridge also advocates for codifying the program into law, ensuring that corrections officers exhaust all avenues to assist prisoners in obtaining legal identification. He believes that shifting the culture within prisons—where assisting incarcerated individuals is not always viewed as a priority—is crucial.
“I appreciate the work of the administration, creating this contract between the DOC and RMV. But is it time, for the Legislature to weigh in and say: ‘No, this is actually a right. And the DOC and RMV and their staff need to make every possible effort to make sure every single returning citizen gets a state ID,’”
Eldridge explained.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact and Ensuring Sustainability
The Massachusetts mobile ID program serves as a model for other states seeking to improve reentry outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals. By addressing a fundamental barrier to reintegration, this initiative empowers returning citizens to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.
Further expansion of the program could involve partnerships with community organizations and reentry centers to provide comprehensive support services, including assistance with housing, employment, and mental health care. Additionally, exploring options for covering the costs associated with obtaining birth certificates and other necessary documents could further alleviate barriers to ID acquisition.
The long-term success of this initiative hinges on sustained funding, ongoing collaboration between state agencies and community stakeholders, and a commitment to addressing the systemic challenges faced by returning citizens. By investing in programs like the Massachusetts mobile ID unit, states can create safer, more equitable communities and reduce recidivism rates.
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