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Uber Connecticut to allow non-violent convicts to apply to be a driver

HARTFORD–Starting in January 2017, Uber will allow people in some states to apply to be drivers even if they have a criminal record. Connecticut is one of...
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HARTFORD–Starting in January 2017, Uber will allow people in some states to apply to be drivers even if they have a criminal record. Connecticut is one of those states.

Uber announced on Thursday that California’s program, which started in January 2016 and allows convicts with minor non-violent offenses to apply to be drivers, will now expand to Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Those who has a felony conviction in the past seven years still cannot apply and will be automatically disqualified.

However, those who have a misdemeanor charge that falls in the following categories, something that automatically disqualified appliacnts in the past, will now be eligible to apply:

  • Fraud, such as check fraud
  • Resisting or evading arrest, which Uber says “has been consistently flagged by civil rights groups as subject to discrimination
  • Petty theft of property valuing less than $950
  • Minor property damage, such as graffiti or mischief on Halloween
  • Prostitution and solicitation
  • Harassment, such as verbal or perceived threats

Uber’s CEO, Travis Kalanick, said in a statement on his Facebook page:

Uber is proud to give drivers in California with non-violent, low-level offenses a chance to get work and rebuild their lives. We’ll soon be expanding that opportunity to people in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Millions of Americans have served their time and want to earn an honest living. To break the cycle of recidivism, we need to give them a second chance. #FairChancePledge

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