For purposes of the initiative, a jail industry uses inmate labor to create a product or provide a service and compensates inmates with pay, privileges, or other benefits. Objectives of the initiative include: identifying the range of practices through which inmates are employed in county jails; researching a representative group of county operations; assembling key personnel from the programs studied; developing a how-to guide to help counties create and improve jail industries; developing a comprehensive resource manual to help counties operate jail industry programs; and publicizing the benefits of jail industries. A 1988 telephone survey of 18 counties and cities that operate a variety of inmate industries and work programs revealed that all projects sought to develop inmate work habits and skills, generate revenues or reduce costs for the county, reduce inmate idleness, and meet community needs. Key development principles in designing and implementing a jail industry program are outlined, and development phases and activities are identified. Consideration is also given to legal issues and standards related to operating jail industries. Tables and figures