[mrvette]

Originally Posted by MrPeabody

California maintains a network of convict firefighting facilities. During the winter when there aren't hardly any fires to fight, they do tree trimming, brush clearing and other fire suppression work. Private property owners do have the right to not allow convicts on their property, which on some level, I guess, is understandable. But they are working on legislation that would change that, at least under some circumstances.

These convicts who do this work can only qualify for the program if they have not committed certain crimes, such as violent crimes, sex crimes, etc. For the most part they are low level drug offenders or thieves, things like that. If they screw up once, they go back to the regular prison. They undergo extensive training and many of them go on to have careers as firefighters. They live in pretty nice conditions, eat very well and frankly work their asses off. One of their facilities is in our county and they are always among the first to arrive on the scene of any wildland fire.

Seems like a decent program.....if to save only 1/2 the inmates, at least THEY are productive......