NCJ Number
26248
Journal
Corrections Magazine Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1974) Pages: 45-52
Date Published
1974
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS OF A PRIVATE, NON-PROFIT UPHOLSTERY BUSINESS OPERATED AND MANAGED BY PRISON INMATES AT THE WALLA WALLA PENITENTIARY IN WASHINGTON STATE.
Abstract
THE BRIDGE, AS THIS PROGRAM IS CALLED, SEEKS TO DEVELOP POSITIVE SELF IMAGES, CONFIDENCE AND CHARACTER IN INMATES, AND TO GIVE INMATES AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM. THE BRIDGE PERSONNEL, MOST OF THEM SERVING LONG TERMS FOR VIOLENT CRIMES, WORK UNDER MINIMAL SUPERVISION IN A TWO STORY BRICK BUILDING OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF THE PENITENTIARY. THE PRISONERS CONTROL THE CORPORATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SHARE THE PROFITS, ORGANIZE THE WORK, SET QUOTAS AND STANDARDS, KEEP THE BOOKS, AND MAKE DELIVERIES AND SALES TRIPS THROUGHOUT THE STATE, ACCOMPANIED BY A MEMBER OF THE NON-INMATE SUPERVISORY STAFF. THE INMATES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN DISCIPLINE AND PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN THE SELECTION OF WORKERS AS WELL. APPLICANTS TO THE BRIDGE MUST PASS THROUGH SEVERAL LEVELS OF SCREENING, BOTH BY THE BRIDGE MEMBERSHIP AND THE PENITENTIARY ADMINISTRATION. IT IS NOTED THAT BUSINESS HAS BEEN PROFITABLE. MEMBERS OF THE BRIDGE HAVE ATTESTED TO THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF THE PROGRAM ON THEIR ATTITUDES AND HABITS.