Jail project to help inmates

Broward County seeks to curb jail population

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Officials in Broward County hope a new video-based program will help some inmates from returning to jail after their release.

The South Florida SunSentinel reports the program launched Tuesday is designed to teach coping skills to low-level, nonviolent inmates.

The program was initiated after a court-appointed jail consultant concluded that Broward County has too many inmates who stay in jail too long.

Sheriff Al Lamberti says about one in 10 inmates return to jail within three years of their release. The program aims to curb the overpopulation at the county's four jails, which can house 5,144 inmates.

Lamberti says the program offers 22 videos with topics ranging from setting goals to learning how to network for jobs.

Officials say the program will start in a few weeks.