NCJ Number
117939
Date Published
1989
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This study describes a successful private sector-prison industry enterprise and makes recommendations for corrections officials and business people who are planning a prison-based business.
Abstract
The Zephyr Products factory was purchased in 1979 by Fred Braun and moved to Leavenworth, Kansas for the purpose of employing and training prison inmates in real world work. Following a brief history of inmate labor, the study details Braun's experience in gathering and keeping public support for his private sector prison industry idea and offers a blueprint for other entrepreneurs who would establish similar industries. Legal and financial considerations are discussed, and personnel practices are detailed. Zephyr Products has been successful in employing inmates and in producing a good product. Communities seeking industrial growth should encourage private sector-prison joint enterprises, for they provide excellent rehabilitation and realistic job training at no additional cost to taxpayers. Specific recommendations for starting private sector-prison enterprises are provided.