Previous studies on attitudes toward work-release programs have indicated that employers, and sheriffs with experience in those programs, respond positively, while sheriffs without such experience are about evenly divided. This paper assessed the attitudes of potential employers towards various aspects of work-release programs in order to identify the most likely participants and the viability of expanding such work-release programs. Analysis of the results of a group-administered questionnaire-given to a group of potential employers who were members of service organizations, the Lions Club and the Rotary Club-revealed that a clear majority of this group of potential employers were sympathetic though with some reservations noted. While employers of ex-offenders and victims of crime were less responsive, about 40% of these groups were also willing to hire work-releasees. The need for effective planning, administration, research, and publicity was underscored.
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