Department of Corrections: Programs: Work Release

Work Release Program

The Shawnee County Department of Corrections, in cooperation with the 3rd Judicial District Court, is committed to providing life enhancement skills to those inmates who are sentenced to serve time in the Shawnee County Jail and who are referred for participation in the Shawnee County Work Release Program.

Generally, those inmates serving county time who are nearing the end of their sentences are eligible for the program if: their behavior, current charges, work records, or criminal history does not pose a threat to the community. Inmates serving time for sexual or domestic violence offenses are not eligible. The inmates in the work release program work for employers in the community and pay up to $20.00 per day to Shawnee County for their room and board.

The work release program also requires participating inmates to maintain strict budgetary control over their funds, to enhance these important life skills.