NCJ Number
147276
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 1-3,22
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Historical background on Texas Correctional Industries is provided. The goals of the program today which include teaching inmates marketable skills that will help them upon release from prison are discussed. Some of the programs that have been operated or are under consideration for future operation are described.
Abstract
A brief history of the development of prison industries in the Texas correctional system is provided. In 1963, the Texas prison system recognized the importance of training inmates in marketable skills. Prior to that time, most inmate programs had to do with agriculture, which was useless for the majority of inmates who were from urban areas and intended to return there after their release. Criteria for selecting appropriate prison industries are addressed. Some of the new industries currently under consideration are described. The two sources of funding for Texas Correctional Industries are a revolving fund account which consists of profits from the sales to other agencies and political subdivisions and dollars appropriated for buying necessary items for the prisons such as clothing, soap and mattresses, which are supplied by the prison industries. A trucking operation being operated by Texas Correctional Industries is described.