Monmouth County Inmate Labor Program Cleans Streets, Tidies Parks in Matawan

Five Monmouth County inmates worked to clean up areas of Matawan this week, according to a press release from the Sheriff's Office.

As participants in the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office Inmate Labor Program, the inmates were transported to the borough from the Monmouth County Correctional Institution to conduct local clean up. The inmates removed litter along roads, weeded and cut grass at local parks and helped restore the outside of an abandoned home in the area, according to the press release.

The program offers assistance to Monmouth County towns to help lessen the financial burdens they face due to budget constraints, according to the release.

"I'm glad the Sheriff's Office is able to provide such a valuable resource to municipalities through our Inmate Labor Program," said Sheriff Shaun Golden. "The use of inmate labor to assist with the cleanup of our communities and storm damage recovery is a cost savings example of shared services."

Offenders incarcerated for minor offenses with records 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.  

Last year, 1260 hours were dedicated to working on a range of projects through the Inmate Labor Program, according to the release. 

Requests for inmate labor teams are made to the program coordinator, Medora Morris, and are evaluated in terms of the needs and feasibility of the project. 

“This program not only helps the towns save money on labor but also assists the work crew in giving back to society,” said Sheriff Golden. 

Past inmate labor projects have included cleanup from storm damage recovery, carpentry, painting, working with parks and public works departments and the restoration of historic sites including a Civil War era cemetery.