I m better off doing work and doing something useful and it gives me job skills as well. Strafford was the first county in the Unites States to earn federal certification for its project, Allen said. The program must be self-sufficient and inmates must sign a voluntary work contract. Allen credited the late Roland Roberge, county commissioner, with his efforts in getting the program off the ground. The county jail has also saved money on its laundry services, which used to be sent to an outside company.
Inmates work in a converted cow barn.
One inmate, who declined to be identified, demonstrated how they solder electrical parts together. The inmate said he has already saved enough money to put down a deposit and rent on an apartment when he is released. I feel a little less like an inmate and a little more like a functional human being. The Jail Industries project will move indoors, where added security will allow more inmates to participate, Allen said. It is relatively easy for businesses to join the program, Allen said.