Economic Impact

Maryland Correctional Enterprises total positive economic impact on the Maryland economy was approximately $90 million for fiscal year 2008, based on salaries, wages and purchase of private sector goods and services.

Recidivism Rates

Maryland Correctional Enterprises provides inmates with much needed work skills and work ethics. Over a thirteen year study period the comparison of released MCE inmates with the Division of Correction (DOC) general population inmates reflects that MCE recidivism rates are 64% lower than DOC in the first year, 55% in the second year and 51% in the third year. Therefore, MCE recidivism rates continue to be more than 55% lower than the DOC rate.

Reentry/MCE CARES (Continuing Allocation of Re-Entry Services)

This program provides a continuum of care to Maryland Correctional Enterprises inmate employees combining structured training and employment, education, substance abuse treatment, and reentry services in order to continue to reduce rates of recidivism. The MCE CARES program will provide a formula for greater rehabilitative effort and collaboration resulting in reduced rates of recidivism and an increased quality of life for offenders returning home. For additional information on this program, please contact David Jenkins, Director of Reentry Services at 410-540-5472.

Prison Industry Enhancement Program (PIE)

Prison Industry Enhancement allows Maryland Correctional Enterprises to enter into partnerships and be a sub-contractor to private industry by producing goods and/or services using inmate labor as permitted by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance Act (P.L. 98-473, /sec, 819). The Crime Control Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-647) authorized continuation of the program indefinitely.

Benefits to the private sector include a stable and motivated work force, reduced overhead, production availability, an alternative to "off-shore" operations, and a label affixed to the product which can state "made in the USA."

The P.I.E. Certification Program has two primary objectives:

   - To generate products and services that enable offenders to make a contribution to society, help offset the cost of their incarceration, compensate crime victims and provide inmate family support.

   - To provide a means of reducing prison idleness, increasing inmate job skills, and improving the prospects for successful inmate transition to the community upon release.

While inmates under the PIE program must be paid at least the Federal Minimum Wage, deductions are allowed from the inmates' wages for taxes, room and board, contributions to a victims' compensation program, and family support. For additional information, please contact Rick Rosenblatt at 410-540-5405.