NCJ Number
102740
Date Published
1986
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The work release program being conducted in Kent County, Mich., is a successful and cost-effective minimum-security program and serves as a model for other jurisdictions.
Abstract
The county sheriff's department operates the program for up to 90 inmates, using the third floor of a building several miles from the county jail. The inmates live at the site and work in paid employment in the community. Eligible inmates must be employed, have an employer willing to hire, or be eligible for a position developed by the work release placement coordinator. They must have at least 5 working days left on their sentences. Almost all sentenced inmates are eligible for the program, but those who have committed assaultive crimes undergo more rigorous screening than other inmates. The program has almost no disciplinary problems. In 1985, only 28 of the 393 participating inmates were returned to jail for disciplinary or other reasons, and only 1 inmate walked away from the program. The program costs $17.87 per day, compared to $28.98 for jail. In addition, work release inmates pay $3.50 to $7 per day for room and board. Factors responsible for the program's success include its separate location from the jail, the clear communication with the community about the program's dual goals of punishment and rehabilitation, the ongoing support of the judiciary and other crucial elements of the community, and the adherence to the careful screening criteria.