Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley has noticed a common thread between many inmates — substance abuse and a limited education.

Almost 90 percent of those arrested in Carroll County who go before a judge for a first appearance hearing lack a high school diploma.

“We wanted to have a program that would let time serve them instead of them just serving time, so that hopefully when released they can be a productive citizen and not go back into a life of crime,” Langley said. “By getting a GED, we are giving them an opportunity to make a living outside of crime.”

John Renoe, sheriff’s inmate services coordinator, said completing a general equivalency diploma is even more critical for inmates during today’s economic climate.

“In the job market, there are people with college degrees that can’t find a job,” he said. “For someone without a high school education coupled with a criminal history, it is even more difficult. We feel like everyone wins when they accomplish a GED. Society wins by the state releasing someone with a fundamental education and better chance at finding work. Having a GED also helps reduce recidivism and improve the lives of those who achieved their GED.”

The sheriff’s office, in conjunction with West Georgia Technical College, offers the three-hour preparation courses three times a week inside the jail for women, and minimal- and medium-security level male inmates who have been approved. Langley said the program is funded using money the inmates spend on commissary items and telephone calls made while in custody.

Before inmates are accepted into the GED program, they are screened and most have demonstrated good behavior while at the jail. Inmates charged with violent crimes, such as murder or rape, are not permitted to take the courses.

Renoe said inmates with as little as a seventh grade education have taken the preparatory course and completed their GEDs.

“We allow them to take their text books with them into their cells to study,” he said. “They also are given homework assignments to complete before class. If it’s possible, we will allow two inmates that are taking the course to share a cell to study together.”

About every four months, a state examiner will arrive at the jail to administer the test. Renoe said that most recently seven candidates took the test and five passed.

“We are still trying to get the exact data on the recidivism rate among those who completed their GED at the jail, but I do know of several people who used the program to their benefit and have not come back to jail,” Langley said.

Magistrate Judge Alton Johnson sees many of those who have been recently arrested during their first court appearance inside a courtroom in the facility. Unfortunately, the judge said, about 90 percent of those are high school dropouts.

“I think it’s great to have the GED program at the jail,” Johnson said. “It helps young people have a chance at a better life and get them in the right direction. For someone waiting to go to trial, they are just sitting in jail. This gives them an opportunity to better themselves. It’s amazing to me how many people don’t have a high school education. High school adds character and structure to a young person’s life.”

Johnson said he will often order GED enrollment outside the jail for those between 17 and 30 who did not finish high school as part of their conditions of bond.

“If they don’t sign up, then I can revoke their bond, which I have done,” he said. “If they violate probation, then they can be required to work toward a GED while in jail. I say this in court, one thing no one can take away is an education. That’s what I try to tell these young folks.”