NCJ Number
127348
Date Published
1990
Length
113 pages
Annotation
Since 1987, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has been actively involved with its jail industry initiative to identify the range of practices in U.S. jails, learn about successful jail industry programs and strategies, promote interest in the jail industry concept, and provide resources to counties for developing or expanding their jail industry efforts.
Abstract
For purposes of the NIJ initiative, a jail industry uses inmate labor to create a product or provide a service and compensates inmates with pay privileges, or other benefits. Many counties have realized significant benefits from their jail industry programs. Some of these benefits involve providing inmates with meaningful work experience and income, reducing inmate idleness and mischief, providing inmates with a better start upon release, and relieving jail overcrowding problems. Research suggests that the development process is a key determinant in the initial success of a jail industry. Key development principles include building a strong foundation, learning from others, analyzing potential opposition, and using all available resources. Components of the jail industry development process are outlined, and a step-by-step guide to development activities is presented. Appendixes contain additional information on specific jail industry programs. Tables and figures