The San Bernardino Fire and Sheriff’s Departments began a joint program in May, training a 15-member inmate crew in wildland fire suppression techniques, along with the basic Incident Command System, first-aid, CPR, chainsaw training, small engine and facility repair. This program teaches the crew member skills that they can use to gain future employment. The hand crew will also respond to other emergency operations such as sand bagging, as well as assist with local fuels reduction programs and chipping operations. To be considered for the crew, the inmate must be a low-level offender (no criminal history of non-violent, non-sexual or non-serious violations); must have 15-18 months sentence left to serve; no documented gang affiliation; no prior discipline; and must not be a flight risk. Crew members will not be electronically monitored due to the remote areas they may be working in, as well as the gear the inmate must wear; however inmates will remain under constant supervision.
