NCJ Number
199924
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Dated: April 2003 Pages: 96-98
Date Published
April 2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the benefits of inmate work and industry activities by highlighting the accomplishments of Hampden County’s (Massachusetts) jail industry program.
Abstract
Jail industries and inmate work benefit many stakeholders. Inmates are afforded the opportunity to learn vocational skills that will be useful once they are released from jails and jails benefit by utilizing cheap inmate labor. Moreover, valuable revenue may be gained by selling products produced by inmates in jail industries. For example, York Street Industries, which is Hampden County’s jail industry, produces goods that are bought by industries outside of the jail. Some of the products they produce include chairs, upholstery, uniforms, silk screen, hygiene kits, and mattresses. In 2001, revenue from York Street Industries totaled over $500,000. Additionally, inmates who work in York Street Industries earn sentence reductions, which save the county additional revenue through the reduction of the jail population. Jail industries thus make sound economical sense, especially during times of budget decreases, and also help inmates learn new skills.