Last week, the Newton County Board of Commissioners approved a contract, capped at $7,886, for the sheriff's office to introduce a program to teach life skills to prisoners who are serving six months or more.

We're unsure this type of program works with anyone, much less prisoners, but given the high cost of housing long-term prisoners the program is worth the cost if only one inmate avoids becoming a repeat offender. That kind of success would be a win for society and taxpayers alike.

We appreciate the fact Sheriff Brown is testing this program with local talent, instead of seeking some outside firm that charges a lot more with no guarantees.

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