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| Supervisor Jeffries Helps Put Inmates To Work Fighting Fires |
| By lakeelsinore-wildomar.patch.com |
| Published: 04/24/2013 |
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"I'm surprised we're the first in the state to embrace this. It's a good proposal with obvious benefits," said Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, who brought the issue forward. Riverside County supervisors Tuesday approved a sheriff's department request to send jail inmates to work on California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection hand crews as a means of reducing the burden on the county's correctional system. Riverside County will be the first in the state to take advantage of the program, which was established under Assembly Bill 109, the Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011. "I'm surprised we're the first in the state to embrace this. It's a good proposal with obvious benefits," said Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, who brought the issue forward. Read More. |
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This has been a part of Washington/Oregon/Idaho state DOC for a couple decades or more and is considered overall a very successful program. It benefits the entire community, the state budget and some of the offenders who gain a work ethic and values. On local fires offenders have helped save private residences and been thanked on-site directly by the owners, who often are present. It has made a positive difference in these offenders attitude and orientation. For the first time in their lives they are giving back instead of taking and they are proud of themselves and want to continue to be productive citizens. Some actually go to work for state and private fire crews upon their release, which is a very viable living. It also opens up more opportunities for state workers and correctional officers who supervise the offenders in the camps on the project fires. Great idea!