Prison Industries in South Carolina: 1996-2005, Why and How the PIE Model Prospered

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine why the enhanced prison industries (PIE) model has prospered for more than 10 years in South Carolina, when in other states it has struggled to survive--or even been abolished. A history of prison industries in the United States will provide context for a review of legal, economic, and political issues affecting the PIE program in South Carolina and elsewhere. The leadership style of the state's director of prison industries (under whose tenure the PIE model has developed and flourished) will be described. Additionally, a cross-jurisdictional comparison of the PIE program in five other states will be presented, to facilitate future research initiatives, and to provide policymakers and correctional administrators with preliminary guidance for development or improvement of PIE initiatives. In this regard, a conceptual model of enhanced prison industries will be developed and described. Finally, policy and program recommendations will be made, based on the study's findings.