The Newsplex reports that Albemarle County Sheriff Chip Harding wants to construct an inmate workforce program in the area for non-violent criminals—described by Harding in the article as "your bad check folks, your DUI folks, your deadbeat dad types"—as a way for prisoners to give back to the taxpayers who currently sustain them. Harding also believes this program could help rehabilitate the inmates for their eventual return to the community.
His idea is modeled after a current program in Norfolk, Virginia, where inmates work jobs in places such as parks, restaurants and annual festivals. The work sites are under constant police supervision.
According to a document prepared by the Albemarle Sheriff’s Office, over 40,000 Norfolk inmates have been employed during the past 10 years through the workforce program. In 2008, the program saved the City of Norfolk $613,605. For their work, inmates are paid minimum wage, to be used on their court fees and current or overdue child support.
What do you think of an inmate workforce program in Albemarle? Post your comments below.
