Rich Jacobs

Rich Jacobs is a retired corrections professional and founder of Get Free and Stay Free (GFSF), which publishes stories of hope, information, and transformation for those affected by the criminal justice system.

Rich has served 22 years with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections as a corrections officer, maintenance foreman supervising inmate crews, and vocational school teacher inside one of the nation’s largest maximum-security prisons. Rich gained a deep understanding of prison life and the challenges of successful reentry.

Rich’s mission isn’t rooted in ideology or politics. He does not subscribe to the “hug-a-thug” camp, nor does he believe in “lock ‘em up and throw away the key.” Rich has walked the fine line between both extremes and landed squarely where it matters most: common-sense public safety. During his career, Rich earned mutual respect from both inmates and staff, something that can be difficult to achieve in a prison setting.

His work focuses on promoting practical solutions that support safer communities. Rich remains active with the Philadelphia Reentry Coalition and the Yokefellowship Prison Ministry and maintains close contact with several prisoners serving life without parole.

A husband, father, and grandfather, Rich continues to live in Pennsylvania and is guided by his faith in God.