Posted on 07/19/2006 6:30:46 AM PDT by Nevadan
Duds intended to complement inmate motorcycle program
CARSON CITY -- A Nevada prison industries program that builds customized motorcycles will soon expand with its own clothing line as well.
The clothing line, to be called "Most Wanted," will be designed by Jan Rousseaux of Las Vegas and will be manufactured by inmates within the Nevada Department of Corrections at the Lovelock Correctional Center.
The clothing is intended to complement the motorcycle program, called "Big House Choppers," which is run out of the Southern Desert Correctional Center, northwest of Las Vegas.
The new clothing line will be launched at the motorcycle event "Street Vibrations," which will be held in Reno in September.
The line will include biker designs for men and women. Denim tops for women will feature studs and chains with sizes up to 3XL. Retail prices will range from $35 to $45. The balance of the collection is contemporary knit T-shirts, tank tops, head wear and accessories. Designs will include inmate-inspired slogans and artwork.
Also to be introduced is the "Hard Timin" line of men's denim apparel manufactured and worn by inmates since 2003. Designs include denim jackets, jeans, shorts and shirts.
Howard Skolnik, deputy director of Prison Industries, said Rousseaux is no stranger to the motorcycle apparel industry.
"This business venture allows inmates to learn new trades, self-respect and responsibility," Skolnik said. "Profits from sales will be used in part to relieve taxpayers for prisoners' incarceration with a percentage going to victims' funds and restitution."
Rousseaux said he was impressed with the "skill, creativity and pride of the inmates."
"Expect to see some really fun slogans and artwork coming from these guys," he added.
Skolnik said the Big House Chopper program is working on its third, fourth and fifth bikes.
The first two built by the inmates have been finished and are being held by the prison industries program for likely future auction, he said.
"They are not standard models," he said. "They are highly customized."
The agency has been waiting to market the bikes, which are worth more than $40,000, until it is sure the inmates can keep up with anticipated demand, he said.
Great idea.
Glad to see the taxpayers re-couping a little of the cost of incarceration and the cons also learn a valuable trade that may assist them when they get out.
100% of the profits should go to pay the victims of the scumbags crimes.
Sounds like a good front for inmates dealing drugs.
I think prisons should be places where punishment takes place and drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and money do not exist.
Of course, the guards prefer to have money flowing in the prisons because it gives them a way to skim some off for themselves.
I bet the inmates have access to computers and the internet too.
On one hand, having prisoners do useful work is not a bad idea. On the other hand, the fact that people will buy "prison chic" products is a symptom of a sick culture.
How can a motorcycle or a clothing maker compete with a company that uses free convict labor to make its product?
We cpmplain that the Chinese pay slave wages, but cheer when the Nevada Dept of Corrections pay their factory workers nothing.
This is a very bad idea.
re: On one hand, having prisoners do useful work is not a bad idea. On the other hand, the fact that people will buy "prison chic" products is a symptom of a sick culture
Yes, I have mixed feelings myself. I applaud the innovative approach the prison is taking. The prisoners are productively using their time, gaining new skills, and helping to pay for the expenses of their incarceration in addition to earning money for restitution to their victims. I just wish the clothing line theme wasn't so "counter culture".
AMEN!
So why do they have to produce just inmate clothing? Why not mainstream clothing? Sewing is Sewing, do plenty myself.
Never did like orange, or stripes.... :-)
re: How can a motorcycle or a clothing maker compete with a company that uses free convict labor to make its product?
I seriously doubt that Nevada Prison Industries is going to make a serious dent in the profits of Harley Davidson! In regard to other clothing makers, adding one more line to a field of thousands is unlikely to change the face of the clothing industry.
Prison labor should benefit victims and society as restitution, not be a fashion statement promoting prison "style". Where do people think the droopy drawers and untied shoes came from? It isn't "style", it's no belt, no shoelaces prison attire. People in prison aren't, and shouldn't be treated like regular folk in a guarded dorm. They are criminals.
And sleep, and water, and food.
And oxygen.
I bet the inmates have access to computers and the internet too.
I sure do.
I'm not.
The b***h set me up.
They make some silly wage like 86 cents an hour.
Harley Davidson is not the competition for custom bikes, anyhow.
::snort::
Food, water, sleep... I think those are OK but they should be carefully restricted.
I would support lots of exercise... someone needs gravel somewhere.
You don't get into a state pen for doing something nice.
And as for the B***h set me up, I suspect the B***h helped you get caught, but I doubt you are innocent.
I have been involved in some prison ministry and let me tell you, there are big $$ moving around inside the walls of prisons. The prisoners have taken over the asylum in some cases.
Where there is $$, there is drugs, etc..
i've been there- on the inside and know that what they are trying to do will make a difference in the outcome.it did for me!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.