The Work Release Program was created in the 1970's by District Judge James Musgrove. Steady expansion of this program, under the watchful eyes of the Courts and detention center, the program is successfully reaching its goals.

The concept evolved from the early "chain gangs", dating back to 1909. The laws of this state require the sheriff or jail administrator to ". . . compel prisoners who are sentenced to imprisonment to work on public projects without pay or remunerations whatsoever. . .except on Sundays and legal holidays".

Inmates are utilized by local agencies to provide labor on public projects. Some examples of labor performed includes: laying sod in soccer fields, filling sand bags for flooding along the Animas River, cleaning the fairgrounds, graffiti removal, countywide trash clean up and assisting in preparation of McGee Park for events such as the National High School Rodeo Finals

The community benefits from the Work Release Program with lower financial burdens of welfare programs, minimizing medical expenses, etc.

Only a small percentage of the work release population are eligible to participate in the wage worker program. A select group of inmates meeting certain requirements are allowed to leave the facility to work at actual jobs for employers at regular wages. The rest are kitchen trustees and outside detail crews.

The Work Release Program is not intended to provide an escape from the consequences of committing a crime, but rather, to aid in rehabilitation. This allows some inmates who were already working within the community to resume the maintenance of family responsibility, financial obligations and restitution to victims. A fee of $10.00 per day, per inmate is paid to the general county fund to offset the high costs of housing and feeding inmates.

This program works well because we have the support of area judges, the district attorney and the people of San Juan County. The jail maintains full authority to manage the program under strict and proven guidelines.