Suffolk County is cleaning up roads, parks and landmarks with the help of convicted criminals.

Officials say they are utilizing a volunteer program that began in 1996 to allow prison inmates to do physical labor for the county. They say state law prohibits them from forcing the prisoners to work, but add there is no shortage of volunteers. They say most workers are low-risk, non-violent inmates who have less than two months left on their sentences.

Many inmates say they appreciate the chance to work outside and leave the prison confines. They say they also get treated better when it comes to food. Officials say the workers will receive a certificate qualifying that they have skills in landscaping and construction. Some inmates say they hope the certificate will help them find work after they are released.