Strike from the Record? Administrative Burdens in Take-up of Criminal Record Clearance

Too few people eligible for clearing their criminal record take-up the program, creating a “second chance gap.” While the policy was designed to help mitigate the collateral consequences of an arrest or criminal conviction – such as boosting employment rates, wages, and reducing re-offending – only a small share of justice-involved individuals proceeds through the administrative process, leaving many disqualified from public benefits. Why do so few people with criminal record petition for relief? This project explores different administrative burdens and how they affect record-bearers and record-clearance.

Dr. ​Nyron Crawford is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Temple University.