ASTEP PROGRAM
The Arapahoe Sheriff’s Training Employment Program (ASTEP) began in 1999 as a partnership with the community and the Sheriff’s
Office to provide inmates with work experience, education, and therapy. All inmates are offered drug, alcohol, domestic violence
and GED classes. The ASTEP program is currently run by three deputies, a sergeant and a lieutenant. The Deputies provide
the inmates with a business like atmosphere that includes an interview to select an inmate for the program and evaluations.
ASTEP is a self –sustaining program that provides services to the local business community, without becoming a competitor.
ASTEP enters into a partnership with a business. The inmates in the program are given job tasks to complete. The inmates
are expected to complete each tasks correctly and in a timely manner. In doing the tasks inmates learn good work ethics and
the ability to become a team player. The inmates receive monthly stipends and with good job performance can enter other job
assignments. ASTEP currently works with five different companies, which are:
- Fredric’s Printing
- Tewell Warren Printing
- G&K
- Service Uniforms
- Aramark
With each of these companies, inmates are providing a service, by cleaning and straightening hangers, cleaning patches, stuffing
envelopes, folding folders or boxes and many other tasks. Inmates are able to earn a forklift certification, while participating
in the program. ASTEP is currently looking at adding more certification programs through Arapahoe Community Colleges to assist
inmates in finding employment in the community once they have been released.
ASTEP also provides drug and alcohol counseling through Cross over Counseling. The counseling is provided to up to ten ASTEP
inmates through weekly classes taught by a licensed physiologist and is paid for out of the ASTEP funds.
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