Producing License Plates: Inside the Work of Inmates in Prisons

The production of license plates today involves a range of inmates serving time in various correctional facilities across the United States. While some states have shifted towards outsourcing or ceasing the practice, others continue to heavily rely on the labor of incarcerated individuals. California, for instance, is one of the states where license plates are still manufactured by inmates.

California's Experience

In California, inmates at minimum security facilities are responsible for making the signs you see along the roadways. For my classic car, I was required to wait for my custom license plates to be produced by these prisoners. This practice extends beyond just license plates; inmates are also involved in a variety of support roles for the state, working to maintain their own upkeep.

Prison Industries and Labor

Prisoners in minimum facilities where I served time have been involved in making license plates for about 3-1/2 years. I’ve only peeked in a couple of times due to the harsh environment, with loud noises and strong fumes filling the air. Many workers complained about hearing loss from substandard noise protection and inadequate respiratory equipment to protect against noxious fumes.

Wider Impact of Prison Industries

Currently, approximately 80 percent of US license plates are produced in around 8 prisons, with a few prisons manufacturing plates for multiple states. Two major companies, such as Waldale in Canada, are responsible for many US plates as well. License plates are also manufactured in Washington state.

Other Production Jobs in Prisons

Aside from making license plates, incarcerated individuals are engaged in a wide array of activities that contribute to state and community welfare. For example, in my state, men make furniture while women create curtains and participate in a puppy program. These puppies stay with female inmates for a period, receiving lots of love and socialization. They then go on to formal training to become service animals or search and rescue cadaver or narcotics dogs.

Prisons as Workplaces

In addition to making license plates and furniture, inmates in some prisons answer phones, perform yard work in parks, and make recycled glasses for low-income individuals. They operate equipment similar to what would be found in metal plants, producing license plates for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and other customers. The practice of prison industries has a long history, with prisoners manufacturing license plates in California since 1910 and the first factory located in a surplus airplane hanger near the original granite quarry.

Outsourcing and Declining Demand

Despite the historical and current role of inmates in producing license plates, the practice is not as common as it once was. Many states have either outsourced the job to private companies or discontinued the use of inmate labor altogether. For instance, since 1947, inmates at Folsom State Prison in California have manufactured the state's license plates, significantly contributing to prison industries.

Overall, while the production of license plates by incarcerated individuals has been a significant undertaking, it is an area that continues to evolve with changes in state policies and the broader criminal justice system.

License plates
Made in prisons using inmate labor. Prison industries
Wide range of economic activities within correctional facilities. Inmate labor
Involvement of incarcerated individuals in various work roles.