14 Bossier jail inmates went pea picking earlier this week at one of the farms run by the facility.

All the prisoners selected were convicted of non-violent crimes.

Officials say growing and producing their own crops saves Bossier residents $35,000 in tax money that would have gone to buying food for the inmates.

Most prisoners say they prefer the work.

Officials say the work not only gives the inmates some sunshine and fresh air, but also teaches them job skills that they can use when their time is up.