Florida Jail Ends Free Underwear for Inmates to Cut Costs

Sheriff Grady Judd believes jail is jail, and with money tight prisoners do not need extra frills. Recently he announced starting August 1^st Polk county jail will no longer provide five pairs of briefs to male inmates. Inmates have the option of purchasing their own 'Fruit of the Loom' briefs for $2.64 or boxers for $4.48 from the jail canteen, or simply do without.

The central Florida Sheriff Judd, who describes himself as "so cheap I squeak" said the jail has to reduce expenses wherever it can. The end of free underwear will save the jail $45,000 in operating costs, saving one jail employee's job.

There is no cable TV. The few television channels in the jail show only educational programs. There is a library available and bible study.

When county budget cuts prevented a local teen program from purchasing needed basket ball equipment, Judd donated all the prison's hoops and balls. "Why should inmates be playing games while tax-payers' kids do without?" he said.

Under Sheriff Judd's management, food costs at the Polk County jail have also been reduced by simple menu changes. Not wanting to take more money from law-abiding tax payers, Judd trimmed prison food costs down to basics, saving almost $200,000.

Prisoners get their three squares but no extras. They drink powdered milk or plain water instead of coffee in the morning. They get frozen egg patties instead of fresh eggs and one slice of bread instead of two. No more juice, instead they get an orange or a piece of fruit.

Cornbread has been replaced by crackers. Chocolate milk and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are long gone. Lunch consists of soup, 2 slices of cold cuts, 2 slices of bread, condiments and powdered milk. Meals are nutritionally adequate and planned by a registered dietitian using the cheapest food available

During these tough economic times while those who obey the law are having a difficult time feeding their families, Sheriff Judd believes that prisoners who are provided with free meals should not have any extras.

In a press release Judd said, "If inmates want to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and drink coffee, and chocolate milk, it's simple. They need to behave, quit violating the law and stay out of the county jail."

Sources:

TBO.com

http://articles.orlandsentinelcom/2011-07-14/news/os-polk-jail-inmate-underwear...