Most if not all prisoner fire crews are strictly volunteer, and only open to the lowest-tier of offenders -- low risk; certain crimes are automatic disqualifica

Most if not all prisoner fire crews are strictly volunteer, and only open to the lowest-tier of offenders -- low risk; certain crimes are automatic disqualifications. There are also health, fitness, and other requirements. They get something like $26/day on the low end, and their work earns time-served credits, meaning every day spent on a crew counts for 2 extra days served. They also get full-on vocational training, and are eligible for firefighter jobs when they get out. It is, among other things, a rehabilitation program. I'd hardly call it slavery, and it has a number of very fair perks, esp. considering that the person is a felon. I lived in San Diego for a little and the general consensus was that the prisoners worked hard and were competent -- nothing else to do but train.