Inmate Crews Collected 311,000 Pounds of Litter in 2012

Have you ever seen those inmate crews on the side of the highway picking up trash?

Ever wonder how often they do it, where they pick it up and how much they collect?

Now we know the answer: A lot.

Here is the full release from the Lexington County Sheriff's Department:

Lexington County Detention Center inmates who are assigned to an inmate litter work crew picked up 311,180 pounds of litter from 115 different locations across Lexington County in 2012. Inmates spent 1,362 hours picking up litter along roadways and other locations in the Batesburg-Leesville, Chapin, Irmo, Gaston, Pelion, Red Bank and St. Andrews communities.

Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts said he assigns the inmate work crew, which is comprised of at least three inmate workers, to pick up litter five days a week on public property.

“Citizens expect inmates to be held accountable and work while they are incarcerated,” Metts said. “Inmate workers have been very productive in picking up litter. The use of the inmate work crew has enhanced our agency’s ability to fulfill our mission of providing professional law enforcement services that enhance the quality of life for all people in Lexington County.”

Citizens who want to request that inmate workers be assigned to pick up litter at a specific location on public property in Lexington County can contact Correctional Officer Albert Schuck or Master Correctional Officer Walter Todd at their office at (803) 785-2513. Citizens also can contact Schuck on his cell phone at (803) 529-4319 or Todd on his cell phone at (803) 518-3098.