Work release reporting programs

Per Section Work sites may be located anywhere within the county and are operated in all weather conditions, seven day a week. Clothing must provide protection from normal hazards associated with working outdoors. Long pants and sleeved shirts are mandatory. Work boots, gloves, and hats are strongly recommended. You must provide your own food. Water is provided at each worksite. Orange safety vests are provided to all workers and are worn at all times.

If you report for work with inappropriate clothing, you will not be allowed to work, must reschedule the work day. So according to state officials, the biggest flight deterrent for inmates isn't what keeps them from leaving.

It's what they gain if they stay. In essence, work release is a middle ground between incarceration and freedom that runs largely on the honor system. Neither have been captured.

For the majority of the day, participating inmates are to remain confined in a Community Release Center or a state-approved substance abuse transitional housing program. However, when traveling to or from work or self-help programs, inmates are permitted to walk, bike, take public transportation or receive rides from friends or family members, according to Florida statutes.

Lewis said formal check-ins are conducted by the state at least three times a month: Twice by phone and once in person. Employers are not required to inform neighbors that they employ inmates; however, they are instructed to contact the DOC whenever an inmate fails to report for work or leaves early.

Lewis said that the majority of participating inmates recognize the program as an opportunity and a privilege, and only a small percentage abuse their freedoms. For an inmate whose sentence is due to end in a matter of weeks or months, it generally is not worth the risk to run away. Jones was serving a nearly two-year sentence out of Escambia County for a felony driver's license violation. He previously served several prison sentences for a long list of convictions, including multiple forgery counts, burglary, grand theft, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.