Smoking Ban coming to prisons
In general tobacco use was banned in many prisons. For example, in 1995, was banned the use inside buildings and that led to a plenty by state prisoners in Lee County.
The state prison method is following the lead of facilities like the Dougherty County Jail that has been tobacco free for 15 years and Lee County Jail that went tobacco free nine months ago. Prison leaders said that it’s counter productive for inhabitants to give up smoking in jail only to start lighting up again in a state opportunity.
Such legislation will be introduced in Georgia too. Scientists reported that by the end of 2010 Georgia’s state prisons will be tobacco free. The Georgia Department of Corrections explained that this is a move that will ameliorate the health of inmates and save tax money by cutting health care costs.
Michael Nail, Deputy Director of the Corrections Division, said: “With tobacco use contributing greatly to health issues and health problems, that’s something that we are always aware of when it come to the budget, is making sure we hold our health costs this is one of the ways to help do that as well.”
For example the Dougherty County Jail banned all smoking products in 1995 when the new jail opened. But unfortunately was created a new problem, because it has become the largest items of contraband in the jail.
The Department of Corrections declared also that while tobacco may be the new contraband it may cut back on other dangerous substances.
Col. Doug McGinley, the Dougherty County Jail Administrator, reported: “What is increased in contraband is tobacco, ironically the possession of drugs as contraband actually goes down, so in one sense of it while you still have some contraband by way of tobacco you’re minimizing the drug contraband.”
Dougherty Jail Officials said that it’s been a while since they’ve had dissatisfaction.
The state’s ban of the substance will also mean a loss in the revenue, right now they can sell cigarettes in the commissary, but that will end when the ban takes affect.
The Department of Corrections explained that the ban will start January first when tobacco use will be prohibited at two diagnostic facilities where inmates are evaluated before being conveyed into the state system.
The next prison which will introduced smoking ban will be the Augusta State Medical Prison.
