The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Announces New Employment Laptop Program

The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) is pleased to announce the procurement of 21 laptops currently being distributed to probation and parole county offices for offenders to use to seek employment. These laptops are equipped with wireless modems (no need to connect to a network) and have various programs installed that can help offenders with the tasks associated with job searches (creating résumés, cover letters, PowerPoint presentations, etc.).

Offenders may also use these laptops to participate virtually in the programs required to meet the conditions of their supervision, such as Batterer’s Intervention, Substance Use Education, and Sex Offender Treatment. Depending on usage, these laptops will be moved to other county offices on a rotating schedule to improve access for offenders across the state who are seeking employment. Use of the laptops will be monitored by agency staff, and the laptops will not be loaned to offenders on an individual basis. Users must review and sign an agreement that lists the rules and recommendations for using the devices.

The laptops have wireless modems (i.e., no need to connect to a network). Users are subject to legal process and other consequences if these devices are used in a way that violates their supervision conditions, such as contacting a victim. Administrators can review websites and software accessed by users to ensure compliance with the conditions of an individual’s supervision.

SCDPPPS supervises over 19,900 offenders throughout the state. Currently, approximately 26% of those offenders are unemployed. This program reflects the Department’s strides to uphold its mission, “To prepare offenders under our supervision toward becoming productive members of the community.”