Expunging criminal records

THE Prisons Department has a good idea. It wants to expunge ex-inmates’ criminal records from the central database after five years. This is to give former prisoners, once they are released, a chance to seek employment to rebuild their lives. For sure, the stigma of their criminal record will be a hurdle to start a new life. Despite the department’s numerous programmes with willing employers, ex-inmates find it hard to get jobs. The job market is more hostile to former prisoners. It cannot be denied that there are businesses that employ ex-inmates, but they are few. Plus, they don’t pay much. Yes, everyone must be given a second chance, but it must be done in such a manner that it doesn’t…