NCJ Number
206779
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 66 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2004 Pages: 82,84,85
Date Published
July 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Davidson County Sheriff's Office's (DCSO's) fees-for-services program for inmates.
Abstract
The DCSO not only views the fees-for-services program as a way of recouping some of the costs for housing and managing inmates but also as a means of teaching inmates responsibility and accountability that will serve them well in the "real" world after their release. Jails typically assess fees in four major areas: medical; per diem (housing, food, and basic programs); other nonprogram functions (telephone use, haircuts, escorts, and drug testing); and program participation (work release, electronic monitoring, education, substance abuse treatment, and medical costs). In describing how to start an inmate fees-for-services program, this article advises beginning with the forging of appropriate legislation, followed by the selection of technology required to debit and track accounts. Inmates must then be notified that their accounts will be debited for specific services. Personnel must be trained, and a policy must be written that details what services will be assessed and how the transactions will occur. The DCSO's charges and procedures are presented for emergency escort, weekenders, work release, medical co-pays and prescriptions, processing, notary services, treatment programs, record copy fee, education, and the day reporting center.