NCJ Number
91871
Journal
Boston University Law Review Volume: 62 Issue: 5 Dated: (November 1982) Pages: 1163-1195
Date Published
1982
Length
33 pages
Annotation
A prisoner-run industry created and operated in accordance with the proposed model would provide an effective and realistic work experience, such that participants would be more easily reintegrated into society upon release.
Abstract
Prisoner-run industry programs provide an alternative to traditional State-run industry programs in permitting interested inmates to develop supervisory, organizational, interpersonal, and general business skills. Authority over prisoner-run industries should be vested in the person responsible for prison industries in each prison or a designated representative (director of prison industries). Prisoner-run industries can be structured as sole proprietorships, business partnerships, corporations, or nonprofit corporations. Inmates seeking to organize a business should submit a preliminary plan to the director of prison industries, and with the assistance of the advisory board or board of directors, the inmate proponents should prepare a final plan detailing the elements outlined in the preliminary plan. Generally, the industries should operate independently with minimal involvement by the institution. Inmate managers should be responsible for daily operations. Each industry should aim at paying wages competitive with similar local outside industries, with wages being deducted from gross income as an operating expense of the business. Prisoner-run industries should be subject to the same security procedures that apply to State-run industries, meaning that prison officials must have access to prisoner-run facilities at all times. Upon release, participants must divest themselves of all interest in prisoner-run industries, resigning from any offices or board positions. Sole proprietors may sell their businesses to other inmates or take company assets with them. Partnerships must be dissolved upon one partner's release but may be reformed by remaining partners. Corporate shareholders must redeem any shares in stock. A total of 199 footnotes are provided.