It is the policy of the County to encourage inmates in the county jail system to develop skills and work experience which will enhance their ability to find employment after release. The prisoner industry program will seek to provide meaningful training and work experience under the supervision of the Sheriff's Department to selected inmates who volunteer to participate, while also generating revenue and providing products and services.
(Added by Ord. No. 3180, effective 4-24-97)
(a) 
Pursuant to Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution of the State of California and Penal Code sections 2717.1-2717.9, the Sheriff's Department is authorized to enter into contracts with public entities and nonprofit or for profit organizations, entities, or businesses for the purpose of conducting programs which use inmate labor. The Sheriff's Department shall select particular industry programs based on:
(1) 
The value of the training to the inmate in gaining usable skills; and
(2) 
The demand for services and products.
(b) 
Program staffing may include, but shall not limited to, county staff, contract staff instructors from community colleges, school district adult education programs, and qualified volunteers. Program costs will be supplemented by revenues generated by the program and contributions from the Inmate Welfare Fund.
(c) 
Participating inmates will be required to take part in academic and "life skill" classes, in addition to vocational training.
(Added by Ord. No. 3180, effective 4-24-97)
(a) 
Membership.
The Tulare County Sheriff's Department Prisoner Industries Advisory Board shall be established and comprised of seven (7) members. The Board Members shall be appointed by the Sheriff. Board members shall serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff. Positions on the Board shall represent a cross section of the population of the county.
(b) 
Responsibilities.
Members of the Advisory Board shall:
(1) 
Review and make recommendations on all proposed industry trade areas. This review should include feasibility as well as social and economic impact.
(2) 
Review existing programs yearly to determine the advisability of continuance.
(3) 
Make recommendations for new industrial programs.
(4) 
Perform other duties as requested by the Sheriff.
(c) 
Meetings.
Four members of the Advisory Board shall constitute a quorum. A vote of the majority of members in office shall be necessary to transact the business of the Board.
(d) 
Compensation.
Members of the Advisory Board shall serve without compensation but shall receive actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with County rules and regulations. Such expenses shall be considered a program cost.
(Added by Ord. No. 3180, effective 4-24-97)
The Tulare County Sheriff's Department Prisoner Industries Program shall contract to provide products and services to Tulare County Departments, not-for-profit organizations supported fully or in part by county funds, cities and municipalities within the State of California, and private businesses.
(Added by Ord. No. 3180, effective 4-24-97)
The Sheriff shall establish, as necessary, written rules and regulations, consistent with applicable State and Federal law, governing the operation and implementation of the Sheriff's Department Prisoner Industries Program.