NCJ Number
193772
Date Published
July 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report briefly outlines the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program originally authorized under the 1979 Justice System Improvement Act allowing private industry to establish joint ventures with State and local correctional agencies to produce goods using prison labor.
Abstract
The Prison Industry Enhancement (PIE) Certification Program authorized by Congress under the Justice System Improvement Act of 1979 and administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice encourages State and local governments to establish employment opportunities for prisoners that are close to private-sector work opportunities. Inmates are placed in realistic work environments and paid the current local wage for similar work. In addition, it allows prisoners to attain marketable skills to increase the likelihood for successful rehabilitation and employment after release. A total of 50 jurisdictions can be certified under the PIE Certification Program. The National Correctional Industries Association (NCIA) provides technical assistance for the program. In addition, they audit program participants for compliance with program requirements and provide onsite and telephone technical assistance. The PIE Certification Program is seen to benefit the corrections administrator, the crime victim, the prisoner, the private sector, and the public. In order to participate in the Program, corrections departments must meet eight criteria. A series of deductions may be taken from the prisoner’s earned wages by the corrections departments for room and board, taxes, family support, and victim compensation or assistance, but they cannot exceed more than 80 percent of the gross wages. In order to apply for the PIE Certification Program, corrections departments can request an application from BJA or NCIA. All States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and all units of local government who are authorized to administer prison industry are eligible to apply.