Title: Jail Navigator
Length of Time in Corrections: Since 2022
Location: Hancock County Jail, Greenfield, Indiana
Crystal Petty, Jail Navigator at Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, has spent the last two years transforming lives within the correctional system. Driven by a passion for rehabilitation, Petty believes that education and skill development are key to breaking the cycle of incarceration and giving individuals the tools to rebuild their futures.
In a highly collaborative environment, she manages a variety of programs at Hancock County, ranging from GED education to workforce training and therapy. Her mission is to equip inmates with the skills and confidence they need to succeed upon release. A game-changer in her work has been Orijin’s managed learning platform, which provides free access to education, vocational training and rehabilitation courses and resources. “Without giving them education or skills, what else are they going to do but go back to what they know?” Petty says. “Education is vital in bringing about change.”
“Without giving them education or skills, what else are they going to do but go back to what they know?. Education is vital in bringing about change.”
Orijin’s platform doesn’t just stand alone—it seamlessly integrates with the jail’s in-person programs, serving as a critical supplement to GED classes, therapy sessions, and other rehabilitative efforts. This integration allows Hancock County to offer a holistic approach to rehabilitation, ensuring that inmates have access to a range of resources that reinforce and complement each other.
One of the biggest advantages of Orijin’s platform is that it is free for incarcerated individuals, eliminating financial barriers that could prevent them from accessing vital resources. “Giving them the skills to land a career—not just a job—removes financial stress and gives them a real shot at success,” she explains. Orijin’s hands-on support also plays a crucial role, with Strategic Account Managers regularly meeting with Crystal to ensure the program’s success and to help address any challenges that arise.
The results have been undeniable. Petty has seen significant improvements in inmate behavior, with many viewing the tablets as a privilege that encourages better conduct. “We’ve seen better behavior in the pods with tablets,” she notes. “It’s helped break down the ‘us vs. them’ mentality between inmates and law enforcement.”
For Petty, Orijin is an essential part of realizing her vision for rehabilitation. “The tablets have become a supplement to our in-person programs, creating a comprehensive approach to reentry,” she says. By blending digital education with hands-on support, Petty and Orijin are giving incarcerated individuals the tools they need to reclaim their futures.
Together, her leadership and Orijin’s resources are making a lasting impact at Hancock County, one program—and one individual—at a time.
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