Two factors in development of work release: size and location of prisons

Among the important recent trends in corrections is the remarkable spread of work release among the state prison systems. Forty-one states have authorized such a program. This development is assessed in terms of two of the factors affecting the potentiality of work release—the number of prison units and their geographical location relative to the state's job market. The highest work-release participation rate was recorded in 1971 by those prison systems with many units well distributed about their respective state. The lowest rate was that of the systems with a large share of total inmates concentrated in giant or large prisons. The various housing strategies are defined; the use of several community centers is found to be associated with the highest work-release participation for each type of prison system. Prospects for further expansion of work release are discussed.