Liter Pick-Up Program is Paying Off for Surry County
- votestevehiatt
- Sep 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Surry County is taking another step forward in community care and public safety. Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt, along with the Surry County Commissioners, officially launched the Inmate Litter Pick-Up Program in February 2025, an initiative designed to enhance the cleanliness of local roadways while creating new opportunities for inmates to give back.
Since its launch, inmate crews have been deployed to designated areas across the county, marking the beginning of what Sheriff Hiatt believes will be a lasting benefit.
“This is a wonderful program that will help keep Surry County roads trash-free for years to come,” said Sheriff Hiatt.
How the Program Works
The program uses eligible, nonviolent inmates from the Surry County Detention Center, each carefully vetted under the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program (SMCP). These individuals, while serving their sentences, are provided with the chance to engage in constructive, supervised work that directly improves the community.
Funding and Revenue Impact
The State of North Carolina funds the program, covering equipment and staffing needs. The Detention Center receives $40 per day per inmate, and if crews work a total of 500 hours per month, that amount increases to $60 per day per inmate.
From February 2025 through August 2025, Surry County has already seen strong results:
Total SMCP revenue: $371,634.75
Revenue from the Litter Pick-Up Program alone: $124,400
These numbers reflect just how successful the program has been so far—not only in revenue, but also in the positive impact it’s having on Surry County.
Looking Ahead
Sheriff Hiatt and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to finding innovative ways to strengthen both detention operations and community life. The inmate litter crew is just one example of programs that provide positive outcomes for everyone involved.
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