Improvements in technology and infrastructure, computer and manufacturing classes, and expanded reentry services

PROVIDENCE, RI - On December 31, 2024, Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) highlighted the agency’s 2024 accomplishments, which included the expansion of reentry services for Rhode Islanders, improvements in technology and infrastructure, and new educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals.

“I’m proud of the work done at the DOC this year to support reentry and work opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals so they can get back on their feet and contribute to our society," said Governor Dan McKee. "I’m eager to build on programs like these in the new year and beyond.”

“Our focus is to increase public safety by reducing recidivism,” said RIDOC Director Wayne T. Salisbury Jr. “We know that approximately 90% of those serving time at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) will return to their communities. We have an opportunity to give people a chance for successful reentry and to significantly reduce their risk of going back to prison. Ultimately, it is up to them, but we can help by offering them the necessary tools while they are incarcerated to succeed once they get out.”

RIDOC’s accomplishments in 2024 include:

• Introduced a secure closed network with Wi-Fi capabilities inside the ACI, which allows for expanded essential services, education opportunities, and programming using laptops and tablets for remote learning opportunities, online commissary, telemedicine, secure messaging, and other services. Additionally, the Department is now moving to digitize record keeping for counts and daily activity logs.
• Added The Last Mile program to its array of rehabilitative services programs. This comprehensive national program available at Medium Security allows soon-to-be-released individuals to gain sophisticated modern-day computer skills, which will allow them to obtain –and sustain– rewarding, well-paid careers in technology. Completion of this program enables graduates to reenter society with the ability to support themselves and their families and set the groundwork for maintaining post-incarceration fruitful and fulfilling lives.
• Partnered with Roger Williams University to provide currently and formerly incarcerated individuals with an affordable pathway to accredited post-secondary and certificate programs that are infused in the reentry process through the Reentry Campus Program.
• Collaborated with the Department of Labor and Training (DLT) to have job coaches visit the Men’s Minimum Security and Women’s facilities and assist incarcerated individuals with resume writing, job searches, interview preparation, and how to discuss their justice involvement with potential employers.
• Expanded its partnership with Polaris MEP and Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) relative to its Advanced Manufacturing Program at the Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility, where participants learn to operate and maintain Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines and receive industry-recognized certification upon completion of the program. This enables them to work in the field and attend the next phase of the program offered at CCRI. To date, four Polaris MEP cohorts have been completed at the Women’s Facility, and there are plans to launch the program at Minimum Security.
• Launched a new partnership with the New England Institute of Technology to offer a welding program at our Minimum-Security facility, with the first class of 10 expected to graduate at the end of the year.
• Continued its partnership with Building Futures Rhode Island to offer a pre-apprenticeship program where successful participants earn a nationally recognized certification and have a direct pipeline into Building Futures Rhode Island’s apprenticeship program upon release. Seven students have graduated from this program, and there are presently eight enrolled in an ongoing session.
• Secured $500,000 in funding from the Congressional delegation to modernize Correctional Industries by opening new shops, such as an embroidery shop and laser engraving, to diversify product offerings and enhance job training opportunities. This funding supports the acquisition of advanced equipment to improve skill development within the correctional system.