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Cutbacks?

Posted by Sheryl Worsley on October 17, 2005 at 02:12 PM | Permalink

We got an email from a listener the other day pointing out some irony at the Davis County Jail.  The sheriff recently had to cut back drug testing of inmates because of budget pains.  The education programs for inmates are also suspended for the rest of the year because of lack of money.  Just one week later, County Commissioners approved a $1,200 contract to show inmates videos every week.  When Commissioner Alan Hansen asked if they should be worried about movies when they don't even have enough money for drug testing, Commission Chair Carol Page apparently responded that the flicks actually protect jail guards and other workers.  She says the movies keep the inmates busy and act as a pacifier.  Page also says the movies can be a motivator if used as a reward system for good behavior.  That may be true.

Unfortunately, jail staff won't know if being off drugs is a behavior they can reward because they can no longer do the urinalysis.

Comments

I heard this story on KSL the day that it first aired and was appauled. I am glad that it came up as a topic on the blog. I think this is rediculous, while the moneys in no way equall the amount spent on drug testing I would rather see that even that smaller amount was being spent on drug testing than on movies. Is it any wonder that inmates refer to this jail as the Ritz?

Posted by: Rob Hortin | Oct 21, 2005 4:03:24 PM

Hey, just send 'em down here to Joe Arpaio's tent city in Phoenix AZ. He makes them wear pink underwear and they regularly go out on Chain Gang duty in the black and white striped outfits. Joe knows how to remind them that jail is not just a free ride on the taxpayer.

Posted by: Boyd | Oct 24, 2005 10:26:19 PM

This morning you reported that Davis county may be looking at a tax hike to help fund the overspending of the county jail. I wonder if the taxpayers are going to enjoy knowing their hard earned money is being taken from them so they can provide inmates with videos to watch. Don't you think it is about time the jails start charging room and board? At least cut spending so you don't have to take anymore taxpayers money to support the jail.

Posted by: me | Oct 25, 2005 6:30:49 AM

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