Through the steadfast efforts of a citizen volunteer, Mr. Ron Rose, the jail was able to find several local
companies who were willing to test the feasibility of using inmates as workers. Inmates from three modules
volunteered to work. Each of these teams was taught the job to be done and each team began their tasks. Together
with each company, we worked out some of the glitches that were inevitable.
The inmate labor force bids competitively with temporary labor (day laborers) for work that can be performed
inside the jail environment. Decisions about the type of work being performed and the time allocated to perform it
are made on a case-by-case basis by jail administrative staff.
The first job performed by inmates was to assist a local plastic injection molding firm in repairing injected
plastic parts which were improperly molded. Inmates worked to complete the piecework necessary to meet the standards
set by this company. We currently are still performing tasks for them as needed.
The next job task performed by inmates was to fold and assemble fabricated cardboard display cases for a local
card company. The cardboard material was brought to the jail and inmates assembled the cardboard pieces in a
prescribed manner resulting in a display box suitable for housing greeting cards.
The next task performed by inmates in the jail has been to assemble intricate machined pieces for a local high
tech plumbing for controlled atmospheres manufacturing plant. Each finished piece consists of many other more
intricate parts, including rubber gaskets, o-rings and washers. Inmates have been trained to assemble each piece,
place it in a plastic bag, seal and label the bag.
Another task performed by inmates is to tie fishing flies. A local company supplied the raw materials and an
instructor for this effort. Inmates now tie fishing flies for this company and will be paid a piece rate for
acceptable pieces.
Our goal is to introduce additional work programs in the jail so that inmates in every module will have an
opportunity to work. Other opportunities being considered are for government and non-profit organizations. We have
found some of our efforts to not be successful. In some cases, the offer we have made to bid for a job has been
rejected. Other efforts in new directions still await our action.
