Inmates must not have a disciplinary infraction for six months prior to participation and will be terminated if they receive an infraction for any reason. They are required to work an eight-hour shift, obeying all the rules and regulations established by the company for all of its employees. The majority of inmates received training within our vocational training program prior to going to work. It is considered a privilege to work for Prison Industries in South Carolina and in particular our PIE Programs. Inmates are held accountable for their actions and must adhere to a strong work ethic.
Rehabilitation is considered to be a by-product.
It is my position that private sector joint ventures are a win-win situation for the private sector company, correctional staff, both Prison Industries and institutional, and the inmate. It is a very strong, managerial tool for the correctional staff, and it provides a viable work program within prison industries and teaches good work skills and habits to inmates at comparable wage. I have witnessed inmates turning their lives around, with good attitudes and strong motivation. Families have benefitted, not only financially, but with better, more frequent visits. Inmates, some for the first time, have developed a positive self-worth, with a job in which they can be successful.