By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Covid changed many ways in which people interact and jail visitations in Kosciusko County is one of them.
In fact, the days of face-to-face visits with inmates are long over at the Kosciusko County Jail.
The jail uses electronic communications much like a zoom meeting for inmates to talk with family and friends. That system has relied on stations set up within cell blocks but within the next few months, the jail will switch over to tablets that allow inmates to converse with people sitting at home or anywhere where wifi is available.
“We’re actually improving upon that and moving forward with new technologies that actually increase the level of contact inmates can have with their loved ones out in the community,” said Chief Deputy Chris McKeand.
The system relies on technology by Securus and inmates are charged a fee for the interaction. But beginning soon, the system will include a free video visitation per week per inmate.
“One of the stipulations we had in the contract as we moved forward was to provide a free visit for every inmate per week because there are indigent inmates that just can’t afford them,” said Sheriff Jim Smith. “We worked long and hard to make sure we got that implemented.”
The jail also plans to establish a visitor kiosk that allows the jail to better vet and track service providers who entering the correction division of the Sheriff’s Department.
That service provides background checks and tracks all visitors such as instructors for substance abuse programs, attorneys and those involved in ministry programs.
The new technology is expected to improve safety and is another way to keep contraband out of the jail
