AllCutieWants
08-17-2004, 09:04 AM
Evan Dawson (Rochester, NY) 08/16/04 -- Should convicted criminals pay for their stay in jai? Other counties have explored the idea and generated millions in savings. Recently, Monroe County's budget committee proposed a similar plan.
As thousands of inmates flow in and out of the Monroe County jail, tax dollars cover their stay at about $100 per day, per inmate. A new proposal would require convicted inmates to pay half of that cost, which means an average six-month stay would cost inmates $9,000.
However, many wonder how to make convicted inmates pay. Some have very little money; some have no bank account. The answer might rest in other counties or other states, where they've already found ways to make sure inmates will pay.
Macomb County, Michigan--which is about the size of Monroe County--bills inmates anywhere from $8 to $56 a day. Most inmates there don't have to pay -- because they can't afford to, but Macomb County collects about $1.5 million dollars from those who can.
Macomb jail officials say it can work in Monroe County, if the program is strict.
Michelle Sanborn, Macomb County jail administrator, said, "Our taxpayers love it, people know that if you go to jail in Macomb County--you're going to get a bill, and we'll force you to pay it if you have the wherewithal."
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said while asking inmates to pay could help taxpayers, the plan needs more study and the collaboration of Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn.
"We are going to take a look at the things that are on the table. Some are harder to implement than others, but we'll look at everything, including the pay-to-stay at the Monroe County jail," she said.
A spokesperson for O'Flynn said he won't comment on forcing inmates to pay until he sees a specific plan
:!: Agreed, why shouldnt they pay? Why should we support the fact that they committed a crime? :smt038
As thousands of inmates flow in and out of the Monroe County jail, tax dollars cover their stay at about $100 per day, per inmate. A new proposal would require convicted inmates to pay half of that cost, which means an average six-month stay would cost inmates $9,000.
However, many wonder how to make convicted inmates pay. Some have very little money; some have no bank account. The answer might rest in other counties or other states, where they've already found ways to make sure inmates will pay.
Macomb County, Michigan--which is about the size of Monroe County--bills inmates anywhere from $8 to $56 a day. Most inmates there don't have to pay -- because they can't afford to, but Macomb County collects about $1.5 million dollars from those who can.
Macomb jail officials say it can work in Monroe County, if the program is strict.
Michelle Sanborn, Macomb County jail administrator, said, "Our taxpayers love it, people know that if you go to jail in Macomb County--you're going to get a bill, and we'll force you to pay it if you have the wherewithal."
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said while asking inmates to pay could help taxpayers, the plan needs more study and the collaboration of Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn.
"We are going to take a look at the things that are on the table. Some are harder to implement than others, but we'll look at everything, including the pay-to-stay at the Monroe County jail," she said.
A spokesperson for O'Flynn said he won't comment on forcing inmates to pay until he sees a specific plan
:!: Agreed, why shouldnt they pay? Why should we support the fact that they committed a crime? :smt038