The Real Cost of Prisons Weblog

Helping Neighbors

Prisons make good neighbors. They provide a strong economic base, create
hundreds of jobs, and supply and supervise inmate workers for vital
community service projects. Corrections staff enrich community life; many
actively participate in local organizations and issues.
A Strong Economy

A prison is a clean, stable, recession-proof industry. It provides permanent
employment to 600 to 1,600 people. This translates to an annual payroll of
$20 million to $52 million--money that helps fuel the local economy. Every
year, a prison also buys between $1 million and $4 million in goods and
services from the surrounding area. As local businesses prosper, more job
opportunities develop. In fact, it's estimated that one new job in the
community is created for every two prison jobs.

Community Partnerships

Prisons go out of their way to lend a helping hand to their neighbors.
Prison staff recognized the challenge most local governments face in
maintaining critical community services. The work always exceeds the
available resources. Prisons offer what cities and counties often lack:
people to do that work.

Possibilities for using inmate labor are practically unlimited.

Carefully screened, supervised inmate crews are available to work outside
prison walls. In San Diego, an inmate crew keeps the Tijuana Trolleys clean
and polished. Crews from the Jamestown prison designed, constructed and
maintain a mini-park that includes elaborate masonry work. At Vacaville and
Soledad, inmates built and maintain Little League facilities.

The sight of inmate crews picking up trash along local roadways is familiar
to all communities with prisons.

Inmates confined to the institution still play a valuable role in serving
the community. Many small fire companies owe their shiny, restored fire
engines to prison vehicle refurbishing industries. The Tehachapi prison dry
cleaning shop keeps the local high school band uniforms spotless. The
judge's bench, witness box, spectator seating, and other wood furnishings in
Susanville's new Justice Court were built at the local prison.

During emergencies, Corrections is there. After the 1989 Loma Prieta
earthquake in the Bay Area, Corrections staff helped earthquake victims
apply for federal aid. Inmate kitchen crews fed thousands of victims and
rescue workers. Prisons also respond to mutual aid requests from local law
enforcement agencies. They help with crowd control and search and rescue
operations or assist with other local emergencies.

The partnerships forged between prisons and their neighbors are strong and
long-lasting.


Thanks to their prison neighbors, San Diego's Tijuana Trolleys are always
clean and shiny.


Susanville's new municipal courtroom furniture was designed and built by
inmates at the local prison.


This Vacaville correctional officer helps enrich his community by
volunteering time to youth programs.


Prison crews keep parks in nearby communities clean, bright, and graffiti
free.