Maine Revised Statutes Title 34-A. Corrections § 3033. Work assignments

1. Public works. The commissioner may authorize the employment of able-bodied prisoners in the construction and improvement of highways or other public works within the State under such arrangements as may be made with the Department of Transportation or with another department or commission of the State, county or municipality in charge of these public works, and the commissioner may prescribe whatever rules and conditions the commissioner considers expedient to ensure the proper care and treatment of the prisoners while so employed and to ensure their safekeeping and return.

2. Fire or disaster. The commissioner may authorize the training and use of able-bodied prisoners by the Bureau of Forestry or the Maine Emergency Management Agency, to fight fires or provide assistance during or after a civil disaster.

3. Charitable property improvement. The commissioner may authorize the use of able-bodied prisoners to provide assistance in the improvement of property owned by charitable, nonprofit organizations.

4. Prohibited act. A person is guilty of escape under Title 17-A, section 755, if that person is a prisoner and escapes from any assignments described in this section or from any other assignment beyond the walls or other security restraints surrounding a correctional facility or otherwise off the grounds of an assigned location.