NCJ Number
89605
Date Published
1981
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report examines current Oregon and Federal provisions for prison industries, discusses pilot projects for industry operations, and reviews other States' programs.
Abstract
Inmates in Oregon are neither required to work nor guaranteed a position in the prison industries. About 25 percent of the Corrections Division's inmates are employed, receiving $3 per day, depending on their skills. Inmate-made goods are now allowed to be sold on the open market and in other States. Federal law prohibits interstate transport of prison-made goods, except for agricultural commodities, farm machinery parts, and goods made by inmates participating in LEAA Free-Venture program. Oregon does not qualify for the LEAA program because current law restricts contracts of inmate labor with private business and sets a maximum pay scale far below the prevailing wage. Practices in Texas, Washington, Indiana, and Minnesota are also reviewed. A chart illustrates types of prison industries and their rules in the 50 States, and Guam, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and several Canadian Provinces. Footnotes are supplied.