Sheriff Grady Judd announced today during a budget presentation to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners that the Polk County Jail would no longer provide free underwear to male inmates booked into the jail. The move will save an estimated $45,000 per year in operation costs.
The current practice is to provide 5 pair of briefs to inmates who are moved from booking to housing. Beginning August 1, 2011, no underwear will be provided free. Inmates will be able to purchase Fruit of the Loom underwear from the jail canteen operation for $2.54 for a pair of briefs or $4.48 for a pair of boxers.
“$45,000.00 is one person’s job we’re saving. If inmates want to wear underwear in jail, they can buy it, just like hard working Polk County citizens do,” said Sheriff Grady Judd
Women will continue to receive 5 pairs of underwear. Laundry services for all inmates will continue to take place twice per week—operated by jail inmate labor.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office generated over $618,000 in 2010 from inmate cost recovery programs such as inmate housing co-pays, dental and nurse visits and co-payments for prescriptions.
