PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Putnam County inmates say they feel “human” again after swapping their traditional prison jumpsuits for uniforms.
The sheriff’s office says the change is part of its commitment to reducing recidivism for inmates participating in its recovery pod program, which gives low-risk offenders access to recovery resources so they can get the help they need to stay clean once their sentence is served.
PCSO says the new clothing was rolled out this week and has been a hit with eligible inmates, who report feeling “seen as a person”. The new uniforms will be worn by road crews and those working jobs at the facility, but also when inmates are interviewing for jobs prior to release.
“One of the aspects we looked at was the mental health of our inmate workers,” Capt. Silva said. “There is a sense of pride in being able to wear these uniforms instead of the jumpsuits which translates into how the inmates treat one another as well as how they care about their appearance. They want to succeed when they leave here.”
The uniforms were purchased with inmate welfare funds. The stitching on the polos was completed by inmates learning how to use a commercial sewing machine.
The sheriff’s office says old jumpsuits will eventually be repurposed.
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