HOWELL — The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office inmate labor program was in full operation in Howell to assist with landscaping and debris cleanup at the municipal complex.
During the week of April 13, five inmates were transported to Howell from the Monmouth County jail, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
The inmates trimmed hedges, mulched and cleared branches from the area.
The inmate labor program offers assistance to towns and helps to lessen the financial burden municipalities face due to budget constraints, according to the press release.
“I am glad the sheriff’s office is able to provide such a valuable resource to municipalities through our inmate labor program,” Sheriff Shaun Golden said. “The use of inmate labor to assist with the cleanup of our communities … is a cost savings example of shared services.”
Offenders incarcerated for minor offenses with a record of good behavior are eligible to be a part of the program.
Inmates who enroll in the program participate in work projects as an alternative to spending their time in jail, according to the press release.
Last year, 1,300 hours were dedicated to working on a range of projects through the inmate labor program.
The sheriff’s office transports the inmate labor crews to a work site and provides security. Requests for inmate labor teams are made to the program coordinator and are evaluated in terms of the needs and feasibility of the project, according to the press release.
“This is a great example of government agencies working together,” Deputy Mayor Robert Nicastro said. “I commend the sheriff’s office for maintaining this much needed program.”