In Favor?

There are many organizations which are in favor of Prison Industry programs. These organizations include both public and private businesses, as well as the Federal Prison System. Equal to the variety of supporters of the programs is the variety of reasons for their support. Supporters argue that prison industry provides inmates with occupational skills and a daily activity which decreases idleness and promotes cohesiveness. Others think that it is important for convicts to take responsibility for their actions by working during their confinement and earning money that can be used to pay off their fines. Still, others feel that prison industry is a effective way to keep the costs of manufacturing and operating prison facilities to a minimum.

All Opposed?

A variety of activist organizations have spoke out against Prison Industry, arguing that the PIA doesn't adequately provide for the safety of inmates and employees. Others argue that deductions taken from the inmates' wages are unfair. Though, the greatest concern of most activists is that the inmates are not being properly reformed and rehabilitated. They point out that the jobs assigned to inmates while incarcerated do not enhance their potential employment upon release and that the skills they have acquired will be obsolete in the outside working environment. More information: Prison Activist

In Conclusion:

Inmate labor, supported by law enforcement officials and business groups, can be debated as either an effective means of rehabilitating inmates and strengthening their work skills or a potential human rights violation. Inmates provide services for the United States from telemarketing to the manufacturing of computer circuit boards. Though they are a flexible and dependable work force, inmates have no bargaining power and are easily exploited, critics say. The conditions of their work environment are less than substandard. Among the atrocities are the lack of benefits, vacation, decent health care, safety standards, and the inability of the workers to form a union. So why would inmates subject themselves to such grueling and virtually uncompensated labor? Although it is not required by law that prisoners work while in custody, many are forced to out of necessity. Most states across the country charge inmates for basic necessities, such as medical care, toilet paper, and use of the law library. Some states even charge their prisoners for room and board. Berks County Jail in Pennsylvania charges inmates $10 per day to be there. Though, supporters of the Prison Industry program would argue that these charges are made simply to instill a sense of responsibility for ones actions and to better the program out of revenue.

 

Unfair? You decide.