A Human Rights Lawyer who teaches at the Isle of Man prison believes prisoners do want to make a contribution to society.
Paul Beckett says many inmates are desperate for work programmes to give them a focus.
In other jurisdictions prisoners are involved in schemes which bring benefit to the community around them.
The Department of Home Affairs says there are currently no works parties doing projects over here, although some prisoners have assisted in landscaping the new prison grounds.
Mr Beckett says adopting such an approach would enable people to give something back.
(Pictured: Paul Beckett)
Renewed calls for public referendum on Island's Assisted Dying Bill
Manannan delay blamed on fault with propulsion system
Nurses to be asked for views on three-year pay offer
Do you think ferry passengers should have to carry ID?