Detention Center Inmate Programs
  

COMMUNITY SUPERVISION

All inmate programs, which allow an inmate to be released into the community, are consolidated under the Community Supervision Unit.  This unit is presently staffed by one civilian supervisor, two full-time Correctional Officers, and one Office Specialist.  They oversee the Work Incentive, Work Release, and Home Detention Programs.

WORK INCENTIVE

Inmates sentenced to the General Population may voluntarily participate in the Work Incentive Program.  Applicants are screened and those selected are assigned to county agencies to perform a variety of unskilled labor without pay.  As a result of their participation, inmates receive a reduction of sentence at a rate of ten days per month, along with five days "good time."

Through the Work Incentive Program, inmates served the Office on Aging, County Highways, County Housing, Library, Courthouse, Fairgrounds, Leonard Hall/Lions Club, Leonardtown Commissioners, Parks and Recreation, Point Lookout State Park, Social Services, St. Clement's Island Museum, State's Attorney's Office, Central Services, Trade Fair, District Court of Maryland, Emergency Management Agency, St. Mary's Transit System, St. Mary's Nursing Center, Wicomico Shores Municipal Golf Course, and the Clark's Road Sewer Project.

WORK RELEASE

Inmates sentenced to the St. Mary's County Detention Center, who are authorized work release by the courts, go through an interview process during which pertinent personal and job related information is gathered.  Necessary information is verified with the employer.  Then, release and return times for the Detention Center are established.  Inmates in the program sign an agreement regarding the rules, regulations and restrictions of Work Release.

The Director of the Corrections Division has great latitude in the administration of the Work Release program.  Inmates are closely monitored by the Community Supervision Unit.  Such monitoring includes telephone calls to employers, periodic urinalysis, and breath alcohol testing to assure compliance with the agreement.  Employers are sent a letter confirming an inmate's participation in the Work Release program, along with time sheets that are used by the Detention Center staff to verify hours worked.  Any infraction of the signed agreement could result in an inmate's suspension from Work Release and return to the General Population.

HOME DETENTION

Home Detention, or Electronic Home Monitoring, is a sentencing alternative which incarcerates an inmate in their place of residence instead of the Detention Center.

Instituted in 1991, the program has proven to be a cost-effective and reliable method of insuring certain convicted offenders receive punishment commensurate with their offense, while also insuring public safety is not compromised.

Much like the Work Release Program, inmates are authorized participation in Home Detention by the courts.  Participants are subject to an intense screening process conducted by Detention Center staff.

RELIGIOUS PROGRAMS

Various denominations are represented in several religious programs offered within the Detention Center.  Active ministry has been provided by members of Prison Fellowship International, Deacon Tom Spalding, the Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer, the SAYSF Organization, the Church of God, Leonardtown Baptist Church, Ocean Ministries, Jehovah's Witnesses, Faith Bible, Patuxent River Assembly of God, First United Pentecostal, Spring of Life 4 Square Gospel, and the Lexington Park Baptist Church.

INMATE LITERACY

A cooperative effort with the Board of Education and the Literacy Council, the Detention Center Literacy Program continues to provide remedial education and preparation to inmates for the general educational development (GED) test.  The Board of Education provides these services to the inmates and detainees three days a week.

REHABILITATION PROGRAMS

The Detention Center in partnership with Walden-Sierra, Inc., provides a variety of programs to the male and female inmate.  These programs include:

·         Alcohol and Drug Education

·         Domestic Violence / Anger Management

·         Health and Nutrition

·         Substance Abuse Counseling

·         Parenting Skills

·         Mental Health Counseling