Prison Industry Enhancement Certificate Program (PIECP)
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This is a job reintegration program for incarcerated individuals aimed at increasing their chances of entering the job market after serving their prison sentence.
There are three models for implementing the program:
1) Under the employer model, private sector companies are set up inside prison units, and inmates manufacture products for sale in open markets;
2) Under the customer model, production facilities are provided and managed by the prison units, delivering the goods produced to private companies; and
3) Under the labor model, inmates are supervised by private companies, but are considered employees of the prison system.

Impact evaluations

An impact assessment showed that the program led to a 41% drop in recidivism, with a 55% increase in employability, and participants spent more time at liberty in the community [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Smith, C. J., Bechtel, J., Patrick, A., Smith, R. R. & Wilson-Gentry, L. (2006). Correctional Industries Preparing Inmates for Re-entry: Recidivism & Post-release Employment. Final Report. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/214608.pdf

Information source