Agenda

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PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE

Meeting Date:	04/26/2021
Subject: Update on Inmate Welfare Fund, Telecommunications, and Visitation at County Adult Detention Facilities
Submitted For:	PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE
Department:	County Administrator
Referral No.:	N/A
Referral Name:	Inmate Welfare Fund, Telecommunications, and Visitation Issues
Presenter:	Assistant Sheriff Steve Simpkins	Contact:	Assistant Sheriff Steve Simpkins

Information

Referral History:

On July 16, 2013, the Board of Supervisors referred a review of the Inmate Welfare Fund (IWF) and inmate visitation policies to the Public Protection Committee for review. The Inmate Welfare Fund is authorized by Penal Code § 4025 for the “…benefit, education, and welfare of the inmates confined within the jail.” The statute also mandates that an itemized accounting of IWF expenditures must be submitted annually to the County Board of Supervisors. Penal Code § 4025 and the most recent IWF annual report have been attached as Attachment A and B, respectively.

The Sheriff's Office has made several reports to the Committee throughout 2013 and 2014 regarding funding of IWF programs, visitation/communication policies and a request for proposals for inmate telecommunications services. The referral was placed on hold pending further discussion and outcomes of state and federal level changes to statute or rulemaking that could curtail the collection of telephone commissions individuals contacting inmates and wards housed in county adult and juvenile detention facilities normally pay.

In late 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued new regulations significantly curtailing the costs charged to inmates or the families of inmates for use of a jail or prison telecommunications system. During 2016, a final rulemaking process was anticipated by the FCC. Ultimately, the FCC passed updated regulations related to telecommunications in detention facilities.

Referral Update:

Assistant Sheriff Steve Simpkins will provide a verbal update on the Inmate Welfare Fund, telecommunications, and visitation.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

ACCEPT a report from the Sheriff's Office regarding the Inmate Welfare Fund, telecommunications, and visitation.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

No fiscal impact. This report is informational only.

Attachments
Attachment A - Penal Code Sec. 4025
Attachment B - FY 19/20 Inmate Welfare Report