NCJ Number
181636
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 62 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2000 Pages: 46-50
Date Published
February 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Private Sector/Prison Industry Enhancement (PIE) Certification Program.
Abstract
The PIE program offers inmates opportunities to participate in meaningful work during confinement. PIE exempts State correctional agencies from restrictions on the sale of inmate-produced goods if several requirements are met: (1) payment of prevailing wages to inmates; (2) free-world workers are not replaced; (3) provision of benefits available to non-inmate workers; (4) voluntary participation by inmates; (5) contributions to victim compensation programs; and (6) consultation with organized labor and local private industry before starting a new program. The article describes several new relationships between State correctional industries and counties in Utah. It also examines New Jersey’s alternative program through which county inmates can participate in State industry operations while confined at county facilities. The Washington State Jail Industries Board acts as the umbrella certification agency for PIE. This allows local and county jurisdictions to participate in private sector joint ventures without the expense and complexities of seeking individual certifications for each jurisdiction. Figures