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| Inmate Program Provides Employment Skills |
| By Key West Citizen |
| Published: 03/18/2003 |
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Prisoners often end up back in jail on second offenses because, once released, it can be difficult to find jobs or obtain the skills to help them start a new life. A partnership between the Monroe County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office and Florida Keys Community College is attempting to reverse that pattern by giving inmates skills they can use to begin anew in their communities. Inmates at the Monroe County Detention Center can apply for a special marine propulsion program on the FKCC Key West campus. The program, which is strictly supervised and taught by FKCC professors, offers training in specialized fields of diesel engine repair and outboard motor repair. Inmates who successfully complete the training are issued a certificate and participate in a graduation ceremony, one of which took place Friday. It was an emotional moment for both the staff and the 12 inmates who officially earned their certificates. 'Looking into the inmates' faces, you could see the expression of being proud to receive that certificate,' said Maj. Tommy Taylor, Bureau of Corrections commander. 'It showed them they can make a difference, that there are positive things they can learn and they can be productive citizens in the community.' The group chosen from an estimated 160 applicants is fortunate. The FKCC program is nationally recognized and is just one of two that exists in the country. The demand is high for the type of training offered in the program, and many jobs associated with marine engine repair pay solid salaries. The 10-week program consists of two separate four-hour classes taught onsite at the campus on Fridays. Taylor said appropriate security measures are taken, and the prisoners are under constant supervision during the course. 'Our portion of the campus is shut down and runs as an actual extension of the jail,' FKCC spokeswoman Lydia Estenoz said. The classes usually hold seven to eight students, and Taylor said there have been no problems as far as behavior. 'Their behavior is definitely within the criteria expected of students,' he said. 'The level of learning and attention toward learning the subject was definitely there.' No taxpayer money is used to support the project; the program is funded completely by an inmate welfare fund, which generates revenue from goods such as candy and cigarettes that inmates buy. The fund also contributes to other needs, such as recreational equipment. Equipment, such as tool boxes used during the class, is also purchased through the welfare fund. Tools are accounted for and all inmates are searched before returning to the jail. Taylor said other beneficial programs conducted at the jail include English as a second language, computers, typing, and GED courses. 'The whole concept behind it is to give inmates skills they can use and to be able to give back to the community,' Taylor said. 'These skills can lead to jobs that can help them have some stability in their life.' The sheriff's office plans to track the inmates who complete the program in order to measure its success. 'It's a win-win situation for inmates, for taxpayers, as well as for the college for revenue,' Taylor said. |
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