By Jaime Crespo
Under the leadership of Sheriff Brad Burkhart and Jail Navigator Crystal Petty, Hancock County Jail continues to demonstrate how correctional education and workforce programming can drive measurable rehabilitative outcomes.
During a recent presentation to correctional education leaders at the COABE Annual Conference, Petty shared updated results highlighting the continued growth of Hancock County Jail’s educational initiatives with Orijin’s managed learning platform. The latest outcomes data includes utilization rates reaching as high as 95%, more than 1,400 learners served, and more than $11 million in estimated taxpayer savings tied to reduced incarceration and recidivism-related costs.
What began as a commitment to provide meaningful educational opportunities inside the facility has evolved into a broader rehabilitative strategy focused on learner engagement, workforce readiness, safer facilities, and long-term reentry success.
At the heart of this effort is Orijin’s managed learning platform, which is integrated into the facility’s broader programming approach to expand access to education, vocational training, and personal development opportunities.
A Vision Rooted in Growth
Sheriff Burkhart’s leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by his upbringing on a farm, where the importance of planting, nurturing, and harvesting became more than agricultural lessons. They shaped his approach to corrections.
“Planting seeds of hope and opportunity” has become central to his mission at Hancock County Jail. Rather than viewing incarceration solely as punishment, he sees it as an opportunity to cultivate growth, accountability, and second chances.
Sheriff Burkhart knew that building a truly rehabilitative facility required the right team. People who shared his commitment to meaningful systemic change. Petty, who came to the jail with a background in case management, became a key part of bringing this vision to life. With her experience and passion for helping people, she embraced the sheriff’s philosophy and helped expand programming designed to create long-term transformation.
Orijin was introduced at Hancock County Jail in August 2023, and the results have continued to grow. From GED preparation to post-secondary education and vocational training, learners now have access to a broad range of educational and workforce development opportunities through secure tablets and integrated programming.
Under the leadership of Burkhart and Petty, learner engagement has remained exceptionally strong, with utilization rates continuing to climb as participation in programming expands throughout the facility.
Yet, technology is only part of the story. Sheriff Burkhart and Petty ensured that the platform became part of a broader rehabilitative strategy focused on support, accountability, and long-term success.
“The secret to our success isn’t just the tablets,” said Sheriff Burkhart. “It’s the people who believe in these programs and push them forward. Without that human element, it wouldn’t be nearly as effective.”
But the technology alone is only part of the story—Sheriff Burkhart and Petty made sure that this tool was integrated into a broader strategy focused on rehabilitation. “The secret to our success isn’t just the tablets,” said Sheriff Burkhart. “It’s the people who believe in these programs and push them forward. Without that human element, it wouldn’t be nearly as effective.” Listen to our podcast to learn more about Sheriff Burkhart’s passion for helping people.
Bridging Staffing Gaps to Expand Education Safely and Effectively
Orijin plays a critical role in helping Hancock County Jail scale its educational offerings, making it possible to safely and securely reach more learners than traditional in-person instruction alone.
As Sheriff Burkhart explained, staffing shortages and hiring challenges within corrections make it difficult to provide the same level of programming without technology-driven solutions.
“It’s cost-effective,” said Sheriff Burkhart. “If we were to provide all this programming in person, we’d have to hire additional staff, which isn’t feasible with current staffing shortages.”
Orijin’s managed learning platform allows facilities like Hancock County Jail to expand access to education, vocational training, and personal development without requiring additional staff or physical classroom space.
The platform also contributes to a safer and more productive environment by keeping learners constructively engaged, reducing idle time that can often contribute to behavioral issues. This comprehensive approach supports both learners and staff while helping reduce operational pressure on correctional teams.
A Transformative Impact
The impact of Hancock County Jail’s rehabilitative approach continues to expand.
Hancock County Jail continues to report measurable reductions in recidivism and strong long-term outcomes among program participants. According to jail administrators, approximately 150 incarcerated learners have collectively accumulated more than 56,000 days out of jail since their release, contributing to significant taxpayer savings and stronger reentry outcomes.
As Petty explained, “If we don’t give people the chance to learn something new, how can we expect them to do anything different when they leave here?”
What sets Hancock County apart is its holistic approach, blending technology with hands-on support from passionate staff who are deeply invested in learner success. Graduations are celebrated with staff attendance and recognition, reinforcing the message that the sheriff and his team genuinely believe in the people participating in these programs.
“It’s a powerful moment for them,” said Petty. “Many of our participants tell us that they’ve never felt this kind of support before, not even from their own families. To know that someone believes in them can be the spark they need to change their lives.”
The combination of strong leadership and Orijin’s technology has already created numerous success stories. Participants have earned certificates in trades such as plumbing and HVAC, helping connect them to employers and workforce opportunities after release. Hancock County Jail has also partnered with local businesses that increasingly recognize the value of hiring graduates of Interplay Learning vocational programming.
Continued Growth and Impact
Since Orijin was first introduced at Hancock County Jail, the facility’s educational and workforce development initiatives have continued to expand, generating measurable outcomes for learners, staff, and the broader community.
Today, Hancock County Jail is reaching utilization rates as high as 95%, reflecting exceptional learner engagement and consistent participation in educational programming. More than 1,400 learners have now been served through the facility’s programs, with participants collectively completing an estimated 10,000 to 14,000 hours of programming each month.
The continued investment in education and workforce readiness is also producing significant economic and public safety outcomes. Hancock County estimates that its rehabilitative programming efforts have contributed to more than $11 million in taxpayer savings through reduced incarceration and recidivism-related costs.
Most importantly, the facility continues to report meaningful reductions in recidivism among program participants. These outcomes reinforce Hancock County Jail’s belief that providing access to education, workforce training, and personal development opportunities can create long-term positive change for justice-impacted individuals.
As the program continues to evolve, Hancock County Jail is increasingly being recognized as a model for how correctional facilities can combine technology, leadership, and human support to drive measurable rehabilitative outcomes.
A Model for the Future of Corrections
For correctional facilities considering similar educational initiatives, Hancock County Jail’s success offers an inspiring example of what is possible when rehabilitation is treated as a long-term investment rather than a short-term intervention.
While concerns around cost, staffing, and logistics are common, Sheriff Burkhart and Petty emphasize that the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. With reduced recidivism, stronger workforce readiness, and individuals reentering society with new skills and renewed hope, the broader community benefits as well.
“Investing in people is the key,” said Sheriff Burkhart. “It’s not about warehousing individuals. It’s about giving them the opportunity to be better. That’s an investment that benefits the entire community.”Are you ready to learn how Orijin can help you achieve your correctional programming goals? Book a demo today.
