Public Safety Works
Public Safety Works (PSW) is a restorative justice program completed by Maryland incarcerated individuals, giving back to society while learning job skills. These programs are outside work details, which the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) refers to as "Landscaping Crews", formerly known as "road crews". PSW programs offer an opportunity to develop work skills needed to assist with successful reintegration into society, on-site job training/experience, and the possibility for permanent job placement during incarceration, continuing into post-release.
The individuals assigned to PSW programs must be carefully screened by the DPSCS case management team. The main components of screening are:
- The individual cannot be charged/convicted on a crime that requires one to register as a sexual offender;
- The individual's security status must be classified at minimum or pre-release; and
- If there is a victim involved in the individual's case, proper victim notification must be completed by the necessary DPSCS parties.
The Program assists government, non-profit organizations, and local municipalities with Landscaping Crews through the affordable use of unskilled and semi-skilled individuals. These work duties include; but are not limited to, litter pick-up, hand mowing, landscaping, building and/or grounds maintenance, cemetery monument cleaning/restoration, HVAC, plumbing, construction, etc. Individuals assigned may only perform work activity approved by the DPSCS and may only operate equipment authorized by the DPSCS.
Partners interested in hiring PSW Landscaping Crews must first coordinate with the Director and/or Assistant Director of PSW. All partnerships, short-term and long- term, require the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). These MOU's must include the scope of services requested, specifics on transportation to and from all work sites, compensation requirements, and specification on all expectations for all parties involved. (Sample MOU attached) Public Safety Works crews work during business hours on weekdays, excluding State holidays. The normal workday for the crew is 6-8 hours. On average, there are approximately one-hundred fifty (150) II's deployed throughout the state each day to assist with keeping Maryland clean.