Parker County, Texas Jail Uses Prisoners to Make Furniture
Parker County, Texas Jail Uses Prisoners to Make Furniture
Larry Jergins, a certified jailer, has taught Parker County Jail trusties woodworking at a cabinet shop in Weatherford, Texas since the jail began a program of furniture making for county and nonprofit organizations in 2005. The trusties have done work for the jail's administrative office, the Hope Foundation, Grace House and other charities.
Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler, who took office in 2005, said participation in the woodworking program is voluntary. Trusties are also allowed to work in the animal shelter and on precinct work details.
Jergins estimates that the woodworking program saved the county about $160,000 in its first two years of operation alone. During that time period he trained 25 trusties in cabinet and furniture making.
He believes in a loose style of management.
"Once they learn, I supervise, but I like for them to make some of their own choices, like what kind of wood to use and design," said Jergins. "I give them dimensions for what is needed and allow them to be creative. That gives them a sense of pride and ownership."
"Working out here sure beats sitting in a cell all day," said David Simmons, a jail trusty and woodworking program participant. "The worst part of the day is heading back to jail."
Fowler emphasized that only two prisoners had ever walked away from a work detail. One was recaptured in three hours while the other was rearrested in nine hours. He believes the work details involve little risk to public safety.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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