The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) proudly launched its new roadside cleanup program this week, marking its first official day with the collection of several bags of trash. This initiative not only aims to beautify Rowan County but also does so with zero added cost to taxpayers.
The program was made possible by repurposing existing resources—manpower, vehicles, and equipment—without requesting any new county funding. In addition to its environmental benefits, the program is projected to generate over $100,000 annually, which will fully cover its operating expenses.
Cleanup crews are made up of volunteer inmates housed at the Rowan County Detention Center through the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program (SMCP). These inmates, most of whom are nonviolent offenders serving sentences of less than 90 days, can earn time off their sentences by participating in the program. Many are the same individuals who assist NCDOT crews across the state without law enforcement supervision.
Deputies overseeing the launch noted the inmates’ positive attitudes and strong work ethic. When asked if they were ready to call it a day, one inmate replied, “H!?? no,” showing pride in what had been accomplished. Inmates are provided with the proper equipment and are well cared for throughout their service.
The program is currently operating two days a week, with plans to expand to four days in the near future. It’s already being celebrated as a success—for public safety, county taxpayers, and the inmates themselves.
