There are currently 10 inmates qualified for the work credit program, which a senator looks to expand to maximize resources in cleaning up island litter and beautifying more areas.

Department of Corrections Deputy Director Joey A. Terlaje, in a response letter to Sen. James Moylan, said the department has received a high volume of requests for assistance using inmates in the work credit program, which has limited supplies and equipment. The program seeks support, he told the senator.

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The program also currently has seven male and three female inmate participants.

Moylan earlier asked Corrections about the status of the program, and whether the current management team has recommendations to improve or modernize it.

Opportunity to acclimate into society

"We continue to support this program not only to allow the inmates to acclimate back into society, but also to encourage them to be a part of making Guam beautification projects thrive again," Terlaje told Moylan.

Under the law, qualified inmates at Corrections can take part in the work credit program to clean up littered areas, parks and beaches, or other types of work details beneficial to the island.

In return for their efforts, the individual's sentence is reduced by one day for each 40 hours of work done, Moylan said, adding that the program also provides inmates an opportunity to acclimate into society, considering that some of them may soon have their freedom restored.

Discuss ways to improve program

Terlaje said Corrections has continuous projects with eight government of Guam agencies, including the Office of the Governor, Department of Parks and Recreation, the Veterans Cemetery, and Mayors' Council of Guam.

The areas covered on rotation include the Government House, Department of Public Works' drains and ponding basins, Parks and Recreation's sports complex, Guam Police Department's Dededo Precinct, and Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center's office and satellite areas

Moylan and Terlaje will meet next week to discuss ways to improve the program and increase participation, the senator's office said on Friday.

The objective is to maximize resources not only for the island's littering dilemmas but possibly for beautification projects throughout the island, the senator said.

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Reporter Haidee Eugenio covers Guam's Catholic church issues, government, business and more. Follow her on Twitter @haidee_eugenio. Follow Pacific Daily News on Facebook/GuamPDN and Instagram @guampdn.