Prison enterprises are businesses operated by prison inmates. This type of organization represents an important subsection of the prison industry and were first developed during the early 1800s, when prison labor was organized for commercial purposes.
Now, prison industries fall under Department of Corrections supervision, and all profits and wages generated by these companies are fed back in to correctional facilities. Inmates engaged in prison enterprises are paid a nominal wage – usually between 20 and 75 cents an hour – depending on their skills and the nature of the work they are doing. The nature and scope of those projects vary greatly based on local laws, regulations and the economic climate in the given jurisdiction.
Prison enterprises have developed quite a reputation over the last two centuries, primarily due to the nature of the work undertaken in such facilities. Typically, these jobs involve producing or assembling goods, or even providing specialized services such as plumbing or electronics. In addition, some prison enterprises are set up for specific purposes, such as training inmates for re-entry into society.
Prison enterprises and their operations present certain advantages for the people working within them. Inmates who are given jobs and given the resources to do the task are more likely to stay out of the criminal justice system and become law-abiding citizens. This helps reduce recidivism and increases an inmate’s chance of successfully transitioning back into the community.
Additionally, those incarcerated often receive valuable skills by working in prison enterprises in addition to wages, and can use the experience gained in prison to find gainful employment upon release.
But there are also serious drawbacks associated with prison enterprises. Many prison labor advocates claim that such establishments exploit the inmates, who are given little protection under the law and who, due to their incarceration, have limited chances to find other employment. This can lead to a cycle of exploitation, creating an environment where inmates are constantly forced to work for substandard wages and in difficult conditions, breeding discontent and creating a more hostile environment within correctional facilities. In addition, prisons frequently employ prison labor for the manufacture of goods and services for private companies, thus creating a situation where those businesses benefit at the expense of those behind bars.
Because of these issues and the controversies surrounding them, prison enterprises have come under increased scrutiny in recent years, with an emphasis on reforming the industry. In the U.S., for example, the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP) is an initiative of the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons that promotes the use of prison labor for rehabilitation. Under this program, companies certified by the U.S. Department of Labor are able to train inmates and pay them wages that are at least equal to federal and state minimum wage requirements.
Overall, while prison enterprises have a complicated history, they may still offer some hope to inmates, who can learn valuable skills and transition back into the workforce more easily upon release. However, much more must be done to ensure these businesses are ethical and provide fair wages and working conditions to those who are part of them.
