North Carolina Law Regarding Inmates Working in Prison

Nearly all inmates in North Carolina prisons must have a prison job.

According to North Carolina law (Art. 3, Sec. 148-26), general policy guidelines require that every "able-bodied" prison inmate must have a job. Prisoners who do not comply are subject to disciplinary action.

Benefits to Society

Department of Corrections policy benefits society in several ways. In addition to assisting prisoners in developing job skills that can be used upon release, inmate labor reduces the costs of incarceration and reduces both inmate idle time and recidivism.

Private Contract Labor & Exemptions

Minimum security prisoners can be assigned work under the supervision of private businesses that enter into contracts with the state of North Carolina. Employment of inmates by private businesses must provide development of inmate job skills and "benefit the citizens of North Carolina." Inmates can be paid a maximum of $1 for each day of work.

Prison Industries

Minimum security inmates should be assigned work on public road work of Department of Forestry projects unless they are in a work release, study release, or other full-time programs. Medium security inmates should also be assigned work on public roads unless doing so may cause a security risk to their incarcerating institution.

All other inmates must be assigned work in state-operated prison industries, agricultural projects, or any other state agency. Preference in work assignments is given to prison industries food production programs.

References

• North Carolina General Statutes: Article 3, Section 148-26