Work release has been authorized in Texas since 1975. Potter County and a few other counties have instituted full-time work release programs. The sheriff and his staff initiated the program in Potter County. The sheriff obtained the cooperation of the district and county judges to sentence selected persons to take part in the program. A deputy sheriff serves as the program coordinator, and several other deputies provide support to the program. An average of about 30 prisoners take part in the program each week, although up to 60 persons -- 35 percent of the total inmate population -- have participated at one time. Inmates have worked as mechanics, clerks, typists, counselors, cooks, oil field roughnecks, and construction workers. Some have received specialized training at a nearby technical institute before being placed in a job. Potter County has disbursed about a third of the earnings for support of the inmates' families. The funds have also gone to pay fines and court costs, room and board, child support, and restitution. Inmates on work release arrange for their own transportation to and from work and pay for their room and board, clothing, laundry, and medicine. Most of the inmates in the program live in a minimum security facility. The inmates must agree to rules regarding visitation, alcohol and drugs, personal appearance, housekeeping, supervision, and the use of part of their earnings. The program has brought the county much recognition from the surrounding region and the State. A list of five references and the subjects of interviews and correspondence are included.