The inmate worker program is offered to non-violent criminal offenders who can sign up for work details in and outside of the Hancock County Justice center. Only inmates that are convicted of misdemeanor and lower level felonies are able to participate in this program.
This type of program allows an inmate to earn up to five days a month credit off their jail term. Participants are also allowed to receive one extra visitation period on Sundays. Inmates do not earn any wages for participating in this program.
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office has used inmate workers since 1994. It provides the administration an opportunity to save on the costs of operating the Justice Center facility. There are currently 16 inmate workers in the inmate worker program. Each person is assigned to a different detail.
Work details range from work in and around the Justice Center to projects outside of the jail. Projects outside of the jail are becoming more demanding. Local groups and businesses are seeking this free source of labor to help with projects around the City of Findlay and Hancock County. The inmate workers wear very distinctive black and white striped uniforms.
The inmates work under the direction of the agency that is using them. Some of the agencies that have taken advantage of the inmate labor in the past include the Hancock Park District, Ohio Division of Wildlife, Village of Jenera, Hancock County Fairgrounds, Rehabilitation and Opportunity Center, Blanchard Valley Center, Community Action Commission and the Hancock County Board of Elections.
The inmate worker program was accepted into the Adopt-A-Highway Program in the year 2000 as well. Notification was received that parts of three Hancock County roads will become adopted by the "trustees" who will then be responsible for keeping them litter-free.
The future of the program looks positive. Numerous groups and agencies have expressed an interest in using the inmate workers for projects on an ongoing basis. This type of program is a proactive approach to rehabilitation and providing community service. An opportunity is provided to allow these inmates to give back to the community and reclaim a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Inmate Population • Inmate Workers • Incident Reports • Interesting Facts
