NCJ Number
172219
Date Published
1998
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This final summary report describes and assesses Washington State's Work Ethic Camp expansion at McNeil Island Corrections Center.
Abstract
The expansion used an innovative programming and delivery concept. The Work Ethic program was integrated with and applied to this capital construction project by using supervised inmate labor to perform the majority of the construction. The Work Ethic Camp provides a sentencing option for targeted offenders of both sexes. Only nonviolent offenders who would otherwise go to prison for 16-36 months are eligible for the 4-month intensive program. The project, budgeted at over $5 million, included construction of a new 200-bed housing unit; a multi-purpose building for administration and classrooms; a new covered physical training area; expansion of the existing kitchen, dining hall, and visiting facilities; and construction of a replacement control room. This report provides separate progress reports for the 200- bed housing unit and site improvements; multi- purpose/administration facility; facilities for the mudroom, toolroom, and physical training; the kitchen/dining expansion; and expansion of the visiting area. The report concludes that the expansion is a success by any measure. The State received well- constructed facilities with value that significantly exceeds their dollar cost. The participating inmates learned the value of teamwork and work ethic while developing self-worth from their achievement. Illustrative photographs and a summary of project construction expenditures are provided.