NCJ Number
112899
Date Published
1988
Length
93 pages
Annotation
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Florida's Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises (PRIDE) program in reducing inmate idleness, lowering State costs, and providing meaningful work and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
Abstract
Legislation enacted in 1981 provided authority for a nonprofit entity to manage Florida's correctional industry program. PRIDE was incorporated in 1981 and began acquiring existing industry programs in 1982. Profitability and sales have dramatically increased since then. PRIDE 1987 profits of $4,052,508 were almost double the correctional industry's profits for the previous 20 years. A review of idleness indicates that PRIDE is employing less than half of available workers and has increased inmate use over 70 percent since eliminating profitless enterprises. Some deficiencies in inmate assignments resulted in an insufficient number of workers to perform all industry operations. Survey responses from State purchasing agents indicate that a majority have felt pressured under current law and correctional policy to buy PRIDE products regardless of price and quality. Many of the purchasing agents believed PRIDE products were priced above similar products of private competitors, but they also believed that PRIDE management has been committed to improving product quality. Recommitment rates were lower for inmates participating in PRIDE. PRIDE has reduced State costs by paying over $4,122,195 into general revenue for expenses to house inmate workers. This report recommends legislative revisions to improve PRIDE's effectiveness. 12 tables, appended data, and questionnaire.