Prisoners sing for Corrections Idol

Andrew Cashmere, 38, who sang a self-written song entitled "Jesus," was chosen as the winner of Sunday's contest by a judging panel of high-ranking corrections officers at the Metro West Detention Center west of Doral, Fla., The Miami Herald reported Monday.

"It's a pleasure to be able to be here and perform," said Cashmere, who also won first place at last year's event.

Officials said 15 prisoners and detainees participated in Corrections Idol -- with entries including songs, rap and poetry. They said the event, organized by the Inmate Special Events Committee, is intended to give prisoners an outlet for their creativity and build their self-image through positive activities.

"When they come here, they feel like they belong," Chief of Operations Manny Fernandez said. "They're part of the solution, not the problem."

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).