[Archived] Question #24: How is work is covered in the inmate detail? Is there a record of the work done? Is there an expectation of the work that will be done for the upcoming fiscal year?

Question:

Please describe how work is covered in the inmate detail?  Do we keep track of the work done? Do we have an expectation of the work that will be done for the upcoming fiscal year? (Councilman Chapman)

Response:

The Inmate Work Detail program serves as an incentive and training program for inmates who meet specific criteria.  The Inmate Work Detail completes public works projects throughout the City, which include but are not limited to beautification projects, regularly cleaning City parks, and dropping off and collecting barricades for special events.  The cost of providing the program is approximately $278,000 annually and requires two full-time Sheriff Deputies.  These deputies are assigned to the inmate work detail program 100% of the time however, when necessary, they may be assigned to assist other support services staff, other Sheriff’s Office divisions, and also assist with escorting contractors for major renovation projects and daily repairs in the detention center. 

On an annual basis, the Inmate Work Detail completes over 50 projects and performs more than 2,000 service hours.  In FY 2018, the Inmate Work Detail performed 2,040 hours of service, which would have otherwise cost the City $75,960.  As of FY 2019, the Inmate Work Detail has performed 688 hours of service, which would have otherwise cost the City $36,300. The Sheriff Deputies who manage the program spend approximately 50 percent of their time escorting the inmates throughout the detention center facility and providing security services as needed. 

Inmate Work Detail: Special Projects and Requests for Assistance

The Inmate Work Detail has handled requests and projects for the following City departments and anticipate completing the same and/or similar tasks going forward:

• Sheriff’s Office (Public Safety Center)
• RPCA
• Courts
• General Services
• Finance

Completed the following projects on public property

• Distribute and collect barricades (annually)
  • Art on the Avenue
  • George Washington Parade
  • Founders Park for Alexandria Birthday
  • King Street Art Festival
  • Lee Street Halloween Event
  • Scottish Walk
  • Turkey Trot 
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade
  • Del Ray Music Festival
  • Comcast Film Festival
  • Christmas Market

• Landscaping (weeding, trash collection, general clean up) in the following areas:
  • Mt. Vernon Avenue
  • Lynhaven Community
  • Pickett Street
  • Van Dorn Street
  • Duke Street
  • Public Safety Center (PSC)
  • King Street Metro
  • Braddock Road Metro
  • Pendleton Park
  • Hume Springs
  • Oronoco Park
  • Founders Park
  • Breckenridge Cemetery
  • Holmes Run Parkway
  • Four Mile Trail
  • Ben Brenman Park
  • Animal Shelter
  • Durant Center

• Landscaping (ongoing/seasonal):
  • Collect and bag leaves at the PSC
  • Cut grass at Founders’ Park
  • Cut grass at the K-9 lot
  • Cut grass at the motorcycle training/practice lot on Eisenhower Avenue

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