Rebuilding Lives. Strengthening Communities.

Ensure that prisoners have appropriate identification
(or documents with which to obtain a state identification card)
at the time of their release.
Recommendation
Issue
Research has consistently shown that the first six months
after release are a decisive period for successful reentry
outcomes, and that recidivism is at its highest during this
time. 15 At the same time, the sooner a released prisoner
obtains employment, and some semblance of stability, the
less likely he or she is to recidivate. 16 To achieve that
stability and effectively function in society today—to
apply for a job, to receive medical care, to sign a lease or
to get services at a bank—an individual must have at least
one piece of accepted identification.
Unfortunately, most prisoners are released without any
identification. In fact, the Urban Institute found that only
22 percent of prisoners returning to Chicago reported
having any kind of photo identification on the day of their
release. 17 This lack of identification may disrupt the whole
process of reentry before it has begun, making it virtually
impossible for a person to begin looking for a job,
treatment, housing and a range of other critical services.
Many problems arise for prisoners as they attempt to
obtain valid state identification. Most do not have the
requisite supporting documents (e.g., passport, birth
certificate, Social Security card, or proof of residence)
necessary to apply. Prisoners also need to appear in
person at an Illinois Secretary of State facility to secure a
state identification card—a task that is difficult, if not
impossible, for an incarcerated person to do. Moreover,
many months before discharge, prisoners usually do not
know where they will be living post-release, and
consequently cannot list a definite address. Even after
their release, many prisoners may be living with family
members or friends, or may change addresses frequently
until stable housing is found, and may not have utility
bills and other forms of documentation typically used to
establish proof of residence.
To complicate these problems further, many individuals
are arrested, convicted and incarcerated under false
names, or aliases, and do not want to reveal this fact to
correctional staff. 18 In fact, some prisoners may actively
impede their counselors’ efforts to obtain missing documents
that must be requested from the appropriate state
agency (for a birth certificate) or federal department (for a
social security card). 19 Because the name on the judgment
order issued by the sentencing court, also known as the
court mittimus, may or may not be an individual’s real
name, the Secretary of State cannot rely on this
paperwork. For many public policy reasons (e.g. child
support obligations, liens, etc.), the Secretary of State
needs individuals to prove their identity.
The quicker formerly incarcerated individuals can obtain
valid state identification, the sooner they can take the next
steps necessary to facilitate their own successful reentry,
thereby reducing the likelihood of recidivism.
MAYORAL POLICY CAUCUS ON PRISONER REENTRY
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