ECI Inmate Grounds Crew to Clean Up Former Homeless Encampment near Salisbury Middle School

Image courtesy DPSCS

Image courtesy DPSCS

A prison grounds crew from ECI in Westover will assist with moving debris from a former homeless encampment near the Salisbury Middle School on Wednesday and Thursday this week. This will help to clear the area of trash and discarded materials. Wicomico County Public Works will enter the area to identify and remove any hazardous materials before the work crews begin. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s office and K-9 team will also be on site.

Additional information from the MD Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS):

“This project reflects the best of what public service can look like when state and local partners work together,” said DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs. “I am proud of the incarcerated individuals from Eastern Correctional Institution who are stepping up to serve the Salisbury community. Work like this gives them a chance to give back, build responsibility, and take part in meaningful projects that support successful reentry–the best way to reduce recidivism.”

The project is part of DPSCS’ broader focus on rehabilitation, accountability and preparing incarcerated individuals for successful return to the community. Service projects like this one also give participants hands-on work experience while supporting local needs. The success of such efforts can be measured by DPSCS’ recent recidivism data.

Based on the latest three-year outcomes, roughly 22 percent of those released from DPSCS custody (in FY 2022) returned to prison for any reason—a figure more than 16 percent lower than the latest comparable national rate. Despite ongoing challenges, this reflects DPSCS’ continued efforts to uphold justice, transform lives, and protect the public.