[Mike Faires]

If they run it like the old Fort Leavenworth Craft Shop used to, the end user will pay for the work and usually for the leather used - the prisoner determines the price - it's a side job and completely separate from whatever work detail that he's responsible for.

The prisoners spend that money on snacks, sundries, and small electronics, and of course - cigarettes...

It's not like they don't have the spare time...

That is exactly the scenario in the piddlin shops. First off the use of the shop is after regular duty hours, it is a privilege earned through good behavior, the inmate sets the rates and signs a contract with the end user. Monies earned go in to the inmates account to purchase sundries, some food items (sorry no tobacco products allowed for anyone inside the wire including staff) or retained as a nest egg for use upon release.
Mike

 

[dogface6]

The Fort Leavenworth Crafts Shop produced etched glass, presentation plaques, tri-folded flag cases, custom leather - including holsters, replicated frontier-era Cavalry equipment, Harley seats, saddlebags and full leathers - a whole host of neatly-done and fairly inexpensive goods.

They could spitshine, and had a cobbler that could rebuild your paratroop boots, and they had one hell of a bakery - so good, that they finally asked them to 'not' fill civilian orders, since they were taking away business from townsmen.

There was a barber shop and a tailor - and if you went to the 'long' Command and General Staff College course, and made prior arrangements - they'd rebuild your vehicle's engine, but they stopped doing that about when I was assigned, and just washed, waxed and detailed it.

Prison-made leather has a long, long history - the old cowboy stuff from Texas, Deer Lodge and Yuma is collectible.

They also ran a huge florist's shop, provided vegetables for sale, and had a successful farm, filled with cattle, pigs and chickens.

Most of all of that's long gone, but up until the '90's, it all was a going concern.

 

[rednichols]

The leatherwork shows more than a basic grasp of holster design and construction. Well done.

 

[oldCop]

I am not sure that I like the idea of prison labor being used to benefit government employees for their own personal benefit. Something just does not pass the smell test on that. Why should government employees benefit from the people they are gaurding. What is different than having them go paint your house? And am a Texan and this smacks of ol ' time forced labor.

They get paid for their products. They do it as a privilege and not as forced labor. It is one of the ways they can earn a little cash for sundries.

 

[dogface6]

Y'know, they're not guarding 'them' - they're guarding 'us' by keeping them inside.

Believe me, the ones in Fort Leavenworth were serious bad guys - to get into there, the admission ticket wasn't smokin' dope, it was murder, mayhem, rape, child rape, treason and other pastimes.

 

[Uglydog]

I never knew they did theses things....heard license plates ....but not holsters...neat to know....even though can't get em.

 

[oldCop]

As a Dallas officer, I have seen a lot of these holster and belt sets while booking prisoners into the Dallas County Jail being worn by plain-clothes deputies. I never saw one that did not have top-notch carving. Really fine craftsmanship. For some reason I have never ordered a set.

 

[elkman1]

Chuckcook:
I ordered my holsters and belt and double magazine clip holders.
They will sell to the regular public, but the prices are a little higher. Instead of $65 for holster for Texas law-dogs it is $100 for others. Can't wait for them to show up in a couple of weeks. They even asked if I wanted State of Oregon seal instead of Texas, but told them no seal for mine. I think they will try to make anything if you can send them a picture of what you want. Great customer service! Might order the Judges chair next???

 

[ifithitu]

They make beautiful holsters,good place to keep your mind on making things for guns.

 

[dogface6]

The ones in Fort Leavenworth had a system that had the inmate and his guard being escorted to a room, where the customer and 'his' escort was, with his unloaded weapon or whatever needing leatherwork was.

Measurements were taken and price discussed, as well as materials cost - all under close supervision - after that, there may or may not be a final meeting if there was a question of fitting.

Following this, when it was finished, it was picked up at the counter - no interaction with the prisoner - no nothing.

Remember - the privilege of being able to offer the work and the ability to perform this well makes 'stacking time' both bearable and productive - I seriously do not think that the men doing this are 'thinking about guns' - rather they're keeping their minds busy creating, and by staying away from 'bad companions'.

It's not feeding a jailhouse fantasy.

There's something else - as a observation, the bad guys don't use holsters - much less carved ones - unless they're cartel guys who go in for the ostentation, and while no doubt ostentatious at times, run-of-the-mill bangers use waistbands, because even an empty holster can indicate intent, so they're somewhat careful, while the cartel guys aren't afraid of that.

 

[JCrow]

As a retired TDCJ employee and married to a current employee you must be a current employee or law enforcement official to contract with a inmate to create any craft in the prison Piddlin shop (Prison slang for craft shop) also nothing purchased may be for resale. Any violations may be considered a reason for TDCJ rules violation and could you eligible to work in the piddlin shop with good behavior. Just sayin guys.

Do you know when this changed? I had several items from an inmate who was incarcerated in the 90's. I didn't purchase them, as they were mailed to me as gifts. Can inmates still send leather items as gifts?

 

[Marvinthemartian]

A lot of these men aren't hardcore criminals. I've seen many good men with a drinking problem end up in prison 28 years. All he had was DWI's no one hurt. Just too many DWI's

 

[Jersey Kid]

Here's my set

 

[oldCop]

That is exactly the scenario in the piddlin shops. First off the use of the shop is after regular duty hours, it is a privilege earned through good behavior, the inmate sets the rates and signs a contract with the end user. Monies earned go in to the inmates account to purchase sundries, some food items (sorry no tobacco products allowed for anyone inside the wire including staff) or retained as a nest egg for use upon release.
Mike

Exactly, Mike....I wish I had contracted for some of the leather before I retired from Dallas PD as many of my colleagues did. This is not involuntary servitude as some have erroneously thought, and the farm produces much of the food for the prisoners, and much of the funds from the craftwork goes to the inmates who produce it. It is NOT for the benefit of government officials.

 

[elkman1]

Chuckcook:
I ordered my holsters and belt and double magazine clip holders.
They will sell to the regular public, but the prices are a little higher. Instead of $65 for holster for Texas law-dogs it is $100 for others. Can't wait for them to show up in a couple of weeks. They even asked if I wanted State of Oregon seal instead of Texas, but told them no seal for mine. I think they will try to make anything if you can send them a picture of what you want. Great customer service! Might order the Judges chair next???

 

[rednichols]

Here's my set View attachment 778147

These gunleather items show a superb understanding of excellent design from a scientific design standpoint -- note the full clearance for the mag button and the finger's knuckle, the wide slots that are curved to appeal to the eye, the trailing point at the muzzle that is not functional but shows originality and implies speed, the closeness of the double stitching that is not too far, not too close to function as reinforcements for each other, the close positioning of the mag pouch's sewing to the moulding. I admit I wonder if I'd feel the same if I could see the backside ("always show the back" will be on my tombstone) because of the overstrap appearing from the front to be overly tall; but from the parts I can see: an excellent result of design and craftsmanship.

 

[wknum911]

Very nice set-up Jersey Kid, who do I need to contact to see about getting one made for me?

 

[Jersey Kid]

Thanks - please call Riley Tilley @ Huntsville Prison

 

[Swatmarshal]

I had two duty rigs made and the buckle was our badge, I've since retired and my rig no longer fits. I would like a duplicate belt made just a larger size. Does a retired Texas LEO work to any any thing made ? Griffin

 

[bkhardin63]

I’m a retired Officer with TDCJ. May I contact them? Thanks in advance.