04/22/2008
Roadside chain gangs might belong to an era gone by, but inmate work crews cleaning roads and other publicly-owned property around Kennebec County could become commonplace.
Inmate labor is used by several nonprofits throughout the county, but Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty wants to use more in the county's towns and cities to pick up garbage from roadsides and clear cemeteries and ball fields of leaves.
"We have this finite resource," Liberty said of inmate labor. "I want to make sure we can assist municipalities if we need to."
Presently, the jail allots 100 inmate hours of work per year to nonprofits around Kennebec County. Agencies benefitting include Bread of Life Ministries in Augusta, the Lake Side Campground in north Belgrade, and the Inside and Out Playground in Waterville, where low-security inmates paint, collect garbage, or help make building repairs.
Liberty said inmates will continue to be used to pitch in for local organizations and nonprofits, but that municipalities also more assistance.
Rome, Winslow, Vassalboro and Augusta are among communities that have allowed Kennebec County jail inmates to perform general labor.
Augusta Mayor Roger Katz and City Manager Bill Bridgeo said the working relationship they have with the jail is one they would like to continue.
"I've talked with the sheriff about this idea and it's definitely worth pursuing," Katz said.
The city of Augusta has used inmates to help clean up city parks among other work in the past, Bridgeo said.
"We welcome this opportunity to have the work crews," Bridgeo said. "(The inmates) aren't a threat to public safety and it's a good opportunity for inmates to do something outside of the four walls."
Liberty said the purpose of having inmates do general work around communities is not to "supplant jobs" already held by city employees.
"We don't want to supplant jobs at all," he said. "But we do want to help enhance resources these municipalities have."
Meghan V. Malloy -- 623-3811, Ext. 431
mmalloy@centralmaine.com
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