Work release is when inmates of a prison are temporarily let out of the prison in order to perform various types of work for the community.
In order to qualify for these programs, inmates must meet certain criteria. The criteria required for work release programs can vary significantly from state to state.
Work release is beneficial for both inmates and for the community. The reason why work release is beneficial for the community is because it provides a source of labor that can include tasks that are often neglected or undesirable to perform.
Inmates also benefit from work release because it helps them to get used to life outside of prison, and to get back into the routine of working. Work release jobs can involve picking up trash on the side of the highway, cleaning parks, etc.