Topic: Criminal Record

Rudy Phillips, a visitor from Chicago, questions the practice of asking about arrest records on job applications, leading to a discussion on Austin's "ban the box" initiative. Sheriff Greg Hamilton describes the restorative justice programs in Travis County, including job fairs held inside the jail where employers specifically look to hire people with records. The jail also offers GED programs and computer skills training through Austin Community College to reduce recidivism.

Steve Lane describes his struggle to obtain data on the ASAP program through open records requests. He reveals a letter from the State Attorney General's office where the Travis County Attorney argued against releasing information because it would interfere with the "prosecution of a crime." Lane points out the contradiction between this legal stance and the public claim that the program is merely for "communication."