By C1 Staff
LAPORTE, Indiana — A county jail in Indiana is considering allowing inmates with good behavior to order from local restaurants.
The Southbend Tribune reports that the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City has used such a tactic for 20 years to maintain order and to raise money for charity. Now the LaPorte County Jail may also use such a program.
LaPorte County Sheriff John Boyd said he had originally hoped to launch such a program this week, but that more time was needed to eliminate potential security risks.
Food would need to be searched and kept warm before being allowed into the jail to prevent the possibility of contraband.
More staff may be added to facilitate the program, but the sheriff doesn’t want to extend any costs to taxpayers.
Inmates would pay for the food from money in their commissary accounts. Takeout orders would be offered about once a month to offenders who maintain good behavior.
Several restaurants have approached the jail about taking part in the program. Most items being considered are non-gourmet foods like pizza and hot sandwiches.