Rockingham County resurrects inmate work program

Rockingham County has restarted an inmate work program.  For the price of a mid-day meal, non-violent inmates will work for the community by shoveling, picking up trash, painting, and more.

The Department of Corrections must pay for transportation and program administration.

"They're paying back the taxpayers. And it may sound corny, but a lot of them enjoy doing something positive," said Rockingham County Department of Corrections Superintendent Stephen Church.

With all the snowfall this year, municipal employees are especially grateful for the help removing snow.

Inmate work programs have some troubled history in New Hampshire, however.  In 2013 the East Kingston Police Department was investigated by the state Attorney General after an inmate from a work-release program stole drug evidence and took a cruiser on a joy ride.

Other critics argue that inmate work programs are tantamount to slave labor, and prisoners should receive some compensation for their work.