July 13, 2009

TOWANDA-- Preliminary plans are in the works that would allow inmates at the Bradford County Jail to get out and about to work on service programs in the community.

   This program is different from the court-appointed work release program. It would give inmates the opportunity to work on community based projects for charity groups and municipalities around Bradford County.   

   The proposal for the "Community Workforce Inmate Program" is being written by Commissioner Mark Smith and Warden Don Stewart. Organizations like non-profits and local municipalities would submit requests to get inmate help and then enter into a contract with the jail.     

   Warden Don Stewart says the program could allow non-violent offenders the opportunity to work off community service hours, even earn a little bit of money that would be put towards the $10-a-day room and board each inmate pays.      

   The Community Workforce Inmate Program is still in the preliminary stages.  It will be finalized over the coming months.