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Correctional
Industries Changing Lives
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In the early 1990's, Washington State's prison population exploded
due to changes in law reflecting the public's increasing concern
with crime. Incarceration rates far exceed the state's overall
population growth, and costs continue to increase as new prisons
are required.
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In
addition to rising costs, one of the most difficult problems facing
the criminal justice system is the number of repeat offenders.
In Washington State, approximately one third of all offenders released
will recidivate — commit a new crime or violate conditions
of their release — within five years and be back inside the
correctional system.
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The idea of putting offenders to work in Washington is as old as
the first territorial penitentiary built in Walla Walla in 1886.
Over one hundred years later, Correctional Industries' businesses
produce quality goods and services and provide offenders with job
experience. This develops a positive work ethic and an opportunity
for offenders to succeed once they are released. These work opportunities
provide the means for them to pay court-ordered financial obligations,
victim restitution, a portion of the costs of incarceration, help
support their families, and build a mandatory savings account. |
Worker Payment Deductions
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Without savings, a released offender receives a transportation
allowance and as little as $40 “gate money”.
With no savings or job skills, the cycle will most likely begin — again.
Offender work programs are also an important element in managing
a safe, efficient correctional system — reducing idleness,
decreasing anxiety, and giving offenders an opportunity to be productive. |
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With
97% of all incarcerated offenders returning to local communities,
Correctional Industries plays an important role in their transition.
With the seed money from their savings, job skills and experience
gained from CI, the offenders have a greater chance of finding a
job — enabling them to work toward a better life for themselves,
their families, and their communities. |
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Your
purchases from CI lower the costs associated with operating the
state's criminal justice system and provide offenders with a chance
to change their lives — forever. |
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