Maine's Innovative Approach to Remote Work in Prisons

In a groundbreaking initiative, Maine has become a pioneer by allowing incarcerated individuals to hold remote jobs with outside companies. This program is not only transforming lives but also setting a new standard for corrections systems nationwide.

Success Stories Behind Bars

• Preston Thorpe, a 32-year-old inmate at the Mountain View Correctional Center, has leveraged his passion for technology to land a senior software engineer position. Earning a six-figure salary, he has even purchased a house while serving his sentence. Thorpe emphasizes the unique opportunity to focus intensely on learning and coding, stating, "It's not normal to have 15-17 hours a day to really focus on something and learn something deeply."

• Darlene George, serving a 40-year sentence for murder, works full-time as a program coordinator for a healthcare company. With a college degree earned before incarceration, she finds purpose and fulfillment in her remote role, saying, "The work really makes you feel good. When I put my head down at night I can say I'm giving something back."

How It Works

The Maine Department of Corrections provides laptops with limited internet access for education and work purposes. This setup is closely monitored to ensure security, with technicians overseeing online activities. Commissioner Randall Liberty notes, "We have technicians that are watching where they're going and what they're doing, and we've had very few problems."

Wages earned are subject to garnishment for child support, victim restitution, and other fees, with 10% going to the department for room and board for higher earners. However, inmates can also save money or send it home, fostering financial stability and hope.

Impact and Recognition

This program has led to a significant reduction in violence within prisons, with assaults on staff dropping from 87 in 2017 to just 7 last year. It also aids in successful reintegration into society, as some inmates continue their jobs after release.

Mara Sanchez of the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison praises Maine's efforts: "Their implementation, willingness to try remote work for incarcerated students has really set the bar for other states."

Looking Ahead

With 45 prisoners currently employed remotely and 800 having internet access, Maine aims to expand this initiative. Commissioner Liberty believes remote work could become the norm, emphasizing, "This isn't a reckless attempt at finding work for individuals. This is a well-thought-out plan with lessons learned and consequences."

For inmates like Thorpe and George, this opportunity has provided not just income, but a sense of purpose and a path to redemption.