The survey was prompted by two complaints from female inmates who alleged they were denied the opportunity to become trusties because of their sex. Of the 87 jail facilities surveyed, 45 (52 percent) indicated they had some type of trusty program that assigned selected inmates to perform work related to jail operations. Of these facilities, 31 reported that females were allowed to achieve trusty status. Trusties in some jails received additional privileges such as extra visits or phone calls, and most jails provided some supervision for their trusties. National authorities state that trusties must be supervised and should be screened and evaluated carefully. The report explores the problems faced by Iowa jail officials in reconciling equity concerns with the statutory mandate for separate housing for males and females, as well as assiqning work details that could endanger female inmates. To achieve equity and safety, the report suggests that jail officials review their trusty programs and make adjustments to allow female participation; establish written policies and procedures for such programs; and delineate eligibility criteria, trusty duties, and supervisory responsibility. The appendixes provide reasons given by jails for not allowing female trusties and examples of jail trusty policies and procedures.