Executive Summary

The Department of Corrections has historically provided inmate labor, by way of Community Work Squads, to work for other governmental agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Division of Forestry, Department of Environmental Protection, cities, counties, municipalities and non-profit organizations.

In total, these Community Work Squads performed 6,044,824 hours of work valued at more than $61.8 million, and after costs, provided the citizens of Florida with a net cost savings/value added of $33 million. Through the process of making these inmate work squads available to other governmental agencies and non-profit organizations the Department is able to assist these outside entities with their needs while continuing to fulfill its mission of providing an efficient corrections system for the citizens of Florida.

Summary of Community Work Squad Hours Worked,
Value, and Cost Savings:
Fiscal Year 2001-02

• Department of Transportation Work Squads: These work squads work under the Master Agreement between the Department of Corrections and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Utilizing inmate labor, these work squads generate revenue for the Department. In fiscal year 2001-02, DOT work squads working under the supervision of Department of Corrections and Department of Transportation staff performed 2 million hours of work valued at $14.8 million. Work performed includes all types of roadway and right-of-way work to help maintain the state's highway system. Following natural disasters these work squads have been called upon by DOT to assist with clean up, correction and repair of damages.
  
• Public Works and Interagency Community Service Work Squads: These work squads perform under local agreements between correctional institutions and governmental agencies and non-profit organizations. These work squads do not generate revenue for the Department. During fiscal year 2001-02, these work squads performed 3.5 million hours of “free” labor at a value of $41.7 million dollars. Work performed by these squads includes roadway and right-of-way work, grounds and building maintenance, landscaping, litter removal, recycling, construction projects, renovation, office moving and cleaning up our state forests and parks. They also assist in cleaning up after natural disasters, when requested.
  
• Contracted Work Squads: These work squads were initially authorized by the 1997 Legislature, an authorization that has continued to date, and requires the governmental entity to pay for the services of the work squad. These work squads generate revenue for the Department. On June 30, 2002, the Department had 34 active contracts involving 39 positions supervising contracted work squads. In fiscal year 2001-02, contracted work squads performed 447,564 hours of work valued at $5.2 million.

This program also serves to provide meaningful work for inmates and assists with the inmate’s transition back into the community by developing and sharpening work skills and providing a sense of accomplishment through positive work experiences.

Michael W. Moore, Secretary