Chapter 1.16
WORKING OF PRISONERS1
Sections:
1.16.010 Work requirement – Payment of fine.
1.16.020 Place where labor required.
1.16.030 Eight-hour maximum – Refusal to work.
1.16.040 Exemptions designated – Prisoner defined.
1.16.010 Work requirement – Payment of fine.
All city prisoners, during the term of their commitment for nonpayment of any fine and costs imposed after conviction, shall be liable to work upon the streets, alleys, public squares or crossings of the city, a day’s labor being equivalent to $3.00 in payment of such fine and costs. (Ord. 60 § 1, 1891).
1.16.020 Place where labor required.
Whenever the marshal has prisoners in his custody, the street committee shall designate the place where the labor of such prisoners may be required and the kind of work necessary to be done, and thereupon the marshal shall have such work performed by the prisoners in his custody so far as is practicable. (Ord. 60 § 2, 1891).
1.16.030 Eight-hour maximum – Refusal to work.
No prisoner shall be compelled to labor more than eight hours in one day, nor be compelled to work on Sundays. If prisoners refuse to labor when directed by the marshal or other person having them in charge, they may be compelled to go upon the street and have attached to their leg an ordinary ball and chain. (Ord. 796 § 1, 1970; Ord. 60 § 3, 1891).
1.16.040 Exemptions designated – Prisoner defined.
This chapter shall not be construed to require any female to perform labor nor any person to labor on Sunday or legal holidays. The term “prisoner” or “city prisoner” as used in this chapter includes all persons who have been or may hereafter be committed to the custody of the marshal for the nonpayment of any fines and costs imposed for the violation of any ordinance of the city. (Ord. 60 § 5, 1891).
For the statutory provisions regarding the authority of cities and towns to compel prisoners to work six days a week, eight hours a day wearing an ordinary ball and chain, see RCW 9.92.130; for provisions permitting fourth class cities to cause imprisoned persons to labor on the streets or other public property or works within the city, see RCW 35.27.379(15).