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- State-Use Prison Industries. These industries are completely state run and the products that are manufactured must be sold to the government. The lack of competition in this model is both significant and alarming. This branch is run by the Federal Prison Industries (also known as UNICOR). The combination of low wages (no more than $1.15 per hour), a lack of specialized knowledge, and a monopolization of industry makes this the poorest option for prison industry.
- State-Owned Corporations. These industries are owned by the state, but have the freedom to sell to private vendors. The first example of this began in Florida in 1981 and was called PRIDE (Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises, Inc.). PRIDE assists inmates in acquiring marketable job skills that will be beneficial upon release. The industrial freedom that PRIDE has distinguishes it from UNICOR, but with hourly wages at no more than $1.00 per hour, this is not the most beneficial option for prisoners.
- Private-Sector Prison Industry. In this model of prison industry, the states can partner with private-sector businesses to employ inmates. Just under four thousand inmates are involved in programs like this, but its advantages are numerous. In order for these companies to be on equal footing with other companies, they must pay the inmates at least minimum wage for their work. This provides greater restitution money for victims and more funds towards the cost of living in prisons, along with a better understanding of the responsibilities associated with a job.
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