Is it wrong to pay incarcerated people in jail? This Pennsylvania county says no

A new policy at Allegheny County Jail allows incarcerated people to earn money for their work. The goal is to improve conditions for everyone involved.

By: Nancy La Vigne, Rutgers University - Newark, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 4, 2026

Words: 999

Last Updated: 2 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Nancy La Vigne, Rutgers University - Newark

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is experimenting with a policy that has drawn national attention and local skepticism: providing cash compensation to people confined in the Allegheny County Jail in the city of Pittsburgh. The funds include monthly disbursements to all those incarcerated and additional pay tied to work assignments and participation in educational programming.

At first glance, the policy may sound counterintuitive. Why pay people who …

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