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Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Levinson Asks Freeholders to Evaluate Inmate Jail Fees
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Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson announced today that he has asked Freeholder Chairman Kirk Conover to form a special Freeholder Committee to evaluate the current fees charged inmates at the Atlantic County Justice facility. Atlantic County currently charges inmates a fee of $35 upon admission and $35 on the first day of each month thereafter.
Levinson stated that he came to the determination that the fee should be reevaluated after reviewing the operational costs of the jail. "Depending on the inmate population, it costs Atlantic County taxpayers between $65 to $87 a day to house an inmate in the jail. During the course of a year, approximately 10,000 individuals are processed into the jail, many of whom are repeat offenders. While incarcerated, inmates are also entitled to medical care, prescriptions, dental services, and psychiatric visits." Levinson stated.
According to Levinson, when he reviewed what other counties were charging inmates for the costs of their incarceration, he concluded that at the very least an evaluation of the rate should be looked into. Camden County charges $35 upon admittance and $5 per day thereafter. Ocean County imposes a $25 processing fee, and $55 upon admittance and $10 per day thereafter. Cumberland and Burlington counties charge no fees for incarceration.
Levinson stated that he is aware that not everyone who is incarcerated will be found guilty, however, charging inmates a fee is fair and reasonable. "Inmates who are financially destitute are not required to pay the fee in order to receive necessary services and supplies," Levinson added. "The fee is collected from those who have the financial means. What we need to do now is determine if this amount should be adjusted."
Freeholder Chairman Kirk Conover stated that he is pleased that the county will be reviewing the inmate fee structure. "Considering the rising costs of medical, prescription, salaries, and other associated costs, this review is necessary and appropriate," Conover said.
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Conover announced that he has appointed the following Freeholders to a special committee to study inmate fees: James Carney, a member of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board; Frank Finnerty, a member of the Freeholders' Facilities Committee; and Rev. Lawton Nelson, a member of the Freeholders' Human Services Committee.
For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2368. |
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