Harrison Co. Inmate Litter Program a Success

Harrison County was recognized by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (M.D.O.T.) for its Inmate Litter Program. The program collected more than 10,000 bags of trash along state highways, more than any county in Mississippi.

Throughout Harrison County, you’ve probably seen inmates out on the road picking up trash and helping keep roads clean. The Inmate Litter Program is a joint venture between the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and M.D.O.T., and those overseeing the program see it as a win-win. Landi Phillips, Chief Deputy for the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, says, "The great benefit of it, with the joint partnership with Commissioner King, they’ll fund a portion of the salaries and we’ll fund the balance of it, and the community benefits by having inmates picking up litter out on highways."

The program not only allows local residents to enjoy a clean environment, it also entices tourists to stay awhile. Renee Areng, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, says, "Attractiveness of a destination is one of the leading reasons people like to travel to that destination, so we on the Mississippi Gulf Coast make it a priority to keep it clean and beautiful."

The program not only gives the Coast clean roadways, but also provides an opportunity for 10 inmates to give back to the community. Phillips also says, "It’s a volunteer program. They’re not forced to do this. Oftentimes, inmates would prefer to be out working than as opposed to being locked up in the jail, which makes sense. It gives them a sense of accomplishment, of doing something worthwhile while they’re here as well."

Chief Deputy Phillips says the success of their Inmate Litter Program has made it a model for other counties throughout the state. M.D.O.T. also works in schools throughout the year to educate students on their role in protecting the environment.