NCJ Number
116599
Date Published
Unknown
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This survey of the market parameters within which West Virginia prison industries must function focuses on the potential market available from all private, nonprofit, and public agencies.
Abstract
A questionnaire was sent to all such agencies throughout the State to determine their use of each of the 13 product categories of the correctional industries as well as sub-product categories and whether the agency was currently purchasing goods and services from prison industries. Those receiving products or services from prison industries were asked to rate the quality, and those not patronizing prison industries were asked to give reasons for not using these industries. The questionnaire was mailed to all 969 targeted agencies on April 15, 1988. Questionnaires received by July 1, 1988, constituted the research sample. Survey results indicate that the potential market for prison industry products and services (furniture, printing, auto repairs and service, business machine service and repair, laundry and dry cleaning, graphics, remodeling and restoration, furniture restoration, electronic servicing, janitorial supplies, customized computer software, sewing and upholstery, and optical supplies) is great. With very little effort and a good marketing plan, West Virginia prison industries should double their market during the first 2 years of increased marketing of its products and services to State agencies first, followed by city/county and private agencies within the State. 10 tables, questionnaire, data analysis.