Work release programs are designed to transition offenders back into society, offset the cost of incarceration and provide job opportunities, Gates said.





In fiscal year 2013, DOC offset its costs of incarceration by nearly $10.5 million through the work release program by collecting a percentage of work release offenders' earnings. More than $4 million was collected for court ordered fees and restitution to victims and child support.





"The ADOC uses an objective assessment process commonly used by every other corrections department in the country to classify an inmate's custody level. Custody levels are based on a number of factors and place a top priority on protecting public safety," Gates said.





The DOC says inmates must meet certain criteria for different custody level placements that take into account the nature of the crime, time frame requirements, incarceration history, psychological assessments and risk assessments.





Daryl Bailey says some offenders should not ever qualify for work release because their convictions speak to their propensity for violence.