Programs

The Inmate Work & Training Programs (IWTP) oversees the Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Logistics (MAL) Division’s designated training facilities: Wynne Computer Recovery, Wynne Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and The Billman Braille Center at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit.

IWTP staff:

• Document inmate participation in on-the-job training (OJT) programs and other job skills training programs.
• Coordinate with the Windham School District to certify OJT programs, create short courses, apprenticeships and vocational courses.
• Ensure availability of job history and certifications to released inmates with MAL Division work experience
• Utilize Work Against Recidivism (WAR) data to measure post-release employment success.

In 1999 the computer recovery program was established and is codified in Texas Government Code § 497.012. State agencies and political subdivisions can send surplus or salvage data processing equipment to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to be refurbished or recycled. Refurbished equipment is made available to school districts, state agencies, political subdivisions, or statewide organizations described by Section 264.603, Texas Family Code, or a local volunteer advocate program, as defined by Section 264.601, Texas Family Code in that relative order of preference.

The computer recovery facility, located in Huntsville at the Wynne Unit, is beneficial to Texas schools (children are provided access to technology), state agencies and political subdivisions (an efficient and easy method to recycle data processing equipment); and inmates receive marketable job skills training and hands-on experience to increase their post-release employment readiness.

Items available include:

• Laptops
• P.C.'s
• Keyboards
• Mice
• Monitors
• Switches
• Servers 

Note: All computers are built to spec with the requested hard drive size. Computers will not have operating systems.

State agencies and political subdivisions that are interested in sending data processing equipment to the computer recovery facility can contact the Wynne Unit and download the appropriate packet. Data processing equipment may be scheduled for pickup by the TDCJ, or customers may deliver directly to the facility with prior approval and a scheduled date of delivery.

Schools, city or county agencies, state agencies, and organizations described in Texas Family Code § 264.603 and 264.601 that are interested in receiving refurbished data processing equipment from a computer recovery program will need to download and complete the required form(s). All eligible entities must complete and submit the System Configuration Request Form, MAL-115B
Statewide organizations described by Section 264.603, Texas Family Code, or local volunteer advocate programs, as defined by Section 264.601 must also complete and submit the Texas Family Code, Organization Eligibility Certification, MAL-115C.

Prison Industries Enhancement Certification Program

Additionally, IWTP provides oversight of the Prison Industries Enhancement (PIE) Certification Program, and acts as the liaison between unit administration and the private business located on a correctional facility and monitors the program to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.

The PIE Certification Program is a partnership between the TDCJ and a private company, which allows the company to employ inmates that have volunteered to be a part of the program. The inmates are paid by the private company, and deductions are taken from their wages for the inmates' taxes, room and board, family support (includes dependent/child support), restitution and a contribution is made to a crime victims' fund.

The PIE Certification Program was created by Congress in 1979 to encourage states and units of local government to establish employment opportunities for inmates in realistic working environments, pay them wages, and enable them to acquire marketable skills to increase their potential for successful rehabilitation and meaningful employment upon release.