Program aims to help inmates adjust after prison

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Toby Love makes sure the bright orange safety vests are made properly. If there’s anything wrong, the vest goes back to his North Carolina sewing plant.

Love serves as quality assurance for the sewing plant inside the Pasquotank Correctional Institution in Elizabeth City.

The Virginian-Pilot reported Thursday he is among three dozen inmates who, among other things, learn to use computerized machines to design and embroider logos. The program aims to help inmates learn skills.

Prison administrator Ricky Anderson said many prisoners aren’t prepared for life after incarceration. He said something needs to change, “because we can’t keep building $80 (million) and $100 million prisons.”

The prison has been accredited by the American Correctional Association, which requires programs to meet nearly 450 standards.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)