NCJ Number
128007
Journal
Corrections Quarterly Summary Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (1989) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Information Center Quarterly Summary is a compilation of information received from the directors of corrections in all 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This quarter's survey addressed the use of inmates to fight forest fires.
Abstract
Agencies were asked: (1) whether States use prison inmates to fight forest fires; (2) the security classification of inmates for firefighting; and (3) whether States train the inmates for their firefighting duties. Nineteen of the responding agencies do use prisoners to fight forest fires. In California, prisoners play a very important role, saving taxpayers an estimated $14 million in 1987. In general, inmates' eligibility for such programs depends on their security classification. Most States require inmates to be classified minimum security or pre-release; medium security is accepted in some cases. A table provides a breakdown of agency practices by state. In nearly all cases, the inmates receive some training in fire fighting. Also included is information on capacity changes, litigation, legislation, commissioner changes, and AIDS information. 2 tables