Jail Industries

The mission of the Jail Industries program is to provide inmates with realistic work experience and teach marketable skills that improve their chances of gainful employment upon release. By developing consistent work habits, inmates prepare themselves for the challenges of post-release employment while reducing recidivism and lowering the community's cost of maintaining the jail.

Employment plays a central role in this process. A good job not only provides income but also creates stability, purpose, and a sense of belonging. For offenders, the benefits extend further—working alongside law-abiding co-workers exposes them to positive role models and conventional values. Conversations about saving for a home or planning family vacations can open new possibilities for someone who has previously felt shut out from those goals. In addition, these workplace relationships often evolve into supportive social networks, helping offenders build connections that encourage a law-abiding lifestyle.

Utah County Sheriff's Office (UCSO)

UCSO operates a unique jail industry (JI) in which inmates work for private businesses in the community setting rather than on correctional institution grounds. Known as the "manpower model" of JI, UCSO's program may be the only Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)-certified program of its type in the nation.

The Jail Industry (JI) program has been a huge success with all three participating groups: local businesses, inmate workers, and UCSO administrators.

Local business owners appreciate the reliable labor supply which, under PIECP regulations, creates no competition with free citizen workers. Inmates are happy to have a break from jail time and to show potential employers their capabilities. They gain marketable skills, make contact with conventional members of society, and save money for food, housing, and other start-up needs upon release.