INMATE LABOR PROGRAM IN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS
Inmates from the Monmouth County jail were working hard the week of April 26th in Atlantic Highlands. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Labor Program offers much needed assistance to towns, and helps lessen financial burdens they face due to budget constraints. The recent Nor’easter in March caused a large amount of debris throughout that area of the municipal harbor and inmates assisted with the cleanup around the beach. “I’m glad the sheriff’s office is able to provide such a valuable resource to municipalities through our Inmate Labor Program,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “The use of inmate labor to assist with storm damage recovery in our communities is a cost savings example of shared services.”
The work crew from the Inmate Labor Program was in Atlantic Highlands from April 26th through April 29th. Offenders incarcerated for minor offenses, with records of good behavior are eligible to be a part of the program. Inmates who enroll in the program participate in work projects as an alternative to spending their time in jail. “This is another example of government agencies working together during these difficult economic times,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry. “It also helps the inmates reintegrate back into the community while repaying a debt to society.”
In 2009, inmates involved in the program worked more than 10,000 hours on a range of projects.
The Sheriff’s Office transports and provides the security of the inmate labor crews. Requests for inmate labor teams are made to the program coordinator Medora Morris, and are evaluated in terms of the needs and feasibility of the project.
Inmate labor projects in the past have included carpentry, painting, working with parks and public works departments and even restoring a Civil War era cemetery.
