06.10.11
We wanted to sell inmates some skills so when they leave the facility they with any luck can do better than reverting back to crime, Sheriff Jimmy Metts said. Cooking classes are a new addition to various self-improvement programs the jail offers.
At the stir, a sprawling above-ground warren of high safe keeping buildings connected to the sheriffs department, theres heaps of opportunity for would-be cooks to learn the trade. After all, up to 2,400 or more meals are served every day some 800,000 a year.
Weve got a big apple back there and a restaurant, Metts said. DHEC even comes in and inspects us we have an A rating. That rating means the cans kitchen meets the same standards as Columbias finest eating establishments in edibles preparation and cleanliness. That also means its a good slot for inmates to learn though Ruths Chris Steak Domicile its not.
We arent being soft, we arent coddling we are working them, but while we are working them, were teaching them, Metts said. When they decamp here, they have some skills. Often, inmates who are in the facility dont have jobs, dont have resumes and dont have knowledge of how to do interviews.... Those are things we work on with them too.
Source: The State