Work center’s closure reflects changing times

Inmate workers load furniture into a trailer.

TWIN FALLS, August 17, 2011-On July 29th IDOC moved the final group of offenders from Twin Falls Community Work Center to other IDOC facilities. The offenders’ departure marked the end of the work center’s 19 years of service to the state of Idaho, and it reflects the changing nature of the state’s inmate population.

“We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the people of the Magic Valley,” said IDOC Director Brent Reinke. “This facility has helped countless offenders turn around their lives and make the transition from prison back to their communities.”

The work center employed 13 people. IDOC offered all of them new jobs. Only two declined the department’s job relocation offers. Five of the staff members received promotions.

“The closure of this facility has involved staff in every division and bureau within the agency,” said Al Ramirez, manager of IDOC’s community work centers. “The level of cooperation has been outstanding.”

In addition to closing the Twin Falls facility, IDOC has made changes at seven other Idaho correctional institutions. The re-alignment made it possible for the department to expand treatment capacity at four facilities. The expanded treatment includes:

• Offering more women intensive substance abuse treatment at South Boise Women’s Correctional Center.
• Offering more men intensive substance abuse treatment at North Idaho Correctional Institution.
• Converting a men’s housing unit at South Idaho Correctional Institution into a women’s facility.
• Offering a new conflict resolution program for men at the Correctional Alternative Placement Program.

“We’re not spending a lot of money to make these changes,” Reinke said.  “We’re using existing resources to invest in proven programs, and if we find any efficiencies we want to invest that money in staff.”