Factories With Fences - The Prison-Industries Approach to Correctional Dilemmas (From Prisoners and the Law, P 21-3 to 21-8, 1985, by Ira P Robbins, ed. - See NCJ-100564)

• NCJ Number: 100580
• Author(s): W E Burger
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Clark Boardman Company, Ltd
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Many prison systems in the United States fail to provide the key correctional ingredients of inmate work, education, and training.

Abstract

Improvements in penal systems have been undermined by the protectionism that limits the sale of prison-made goods. Protectionism confines the market for such goods to the state of jurisdiction and to cities, counties, and school districts. Markets for prison-made goods must be completely opened, even if it must be done gradually. Protectionism not only subverts the preparation of inmates for productive occupations upon release, but also maintains the high cost for prison operations that must be paid by taxes. Earnings by prison industries rehabilitate inmates by developing marketable skills and help to pay for prison operations. A task force of experts should be established to develop a national strategy that will assist States in developing effective prison industries. Such a task force effort should involve not only State and Federal representatives but also representatives from the private sector. 2 notes.