The State - News from Oct. 1, 1986

California’s prisoners are working and producing more than ever before, with more than 5,000 inmates employed making license plates, furniture and construction supplies, the state Prison Industry Authority reported. The prison-based industrial program reported a 70% growth in inmate employment and annual production over the last two years, achieving a record $52 million in annual production in fiscal year 1985-86. The productivity figures--highest in the nation for inmate work programs--reflect an expansion of the state’s prison employment program to include jobs in manufacturing detention furnishings, precast floors and roof panels for prisons under construction in California.