Corrections Division
Eaton County Jail
(click here -> Inmate Family Guide for Jail Information)
The Eaton County Jail can hold up to 224 inmates. It is currently staffed by 25 Corrections Officers, 6 Corrections Sergeants, 2 full-time Clerical Support Staff Members, and 1 Lieutenant. We also have two Court Security Officers and one Corrections Officer who coordinates the Inmate Work Crew Program. Nearly 4,000 individuals are admitted to our jail each year; however, these numbers tend to fluctuate. The average daily population during 1995 was 188 inmates.
In the State of Michigan an individual is considered an adult at the age of 17 and may be housed in a jail. All inmates in the State of Michigan prison system start out serving time in county jails. Jails, like ours, throughout the country hold many different types of inmates. We house pre-trial and sentenced inmates on misdemeanor and felony charges. For example, we may have someone serving time for shop-lifting or someone awaiting trial for murder.
Typically non-violent inmates at our facility are granted work release, if granted by a judge. While at our facility, they are capable of leaving to report directly to work daily and must return for housing during their sentenced time in jail. This beneficial program allows them to maintain their present status of employment, so they may return as productive citizens once released from our custody. These individuals are charged a housing fee, based on salaries (an average minimum of $10.00 per day). In 1995, $83,430.00 was collected from the Work Release Inmates, and utilized by Eaton County for the provision of much needed services to our area's residents.
Inmates in our facility have access to order various items through our Inmate Commissary. Those without money during incarceration receive only legally mandated hygiene and communication materials. The Inmate Commissary is operated by a part-time Clerk. Luxuries like candy bars and coffee are not given to inmates; however, they may be purchased by those who have money. The Commissary allows us to increase our available operational revenues. The money collected in this area is utilized to pay this clerical staff member's salary and for the allocation of profits toward much needed equipment for the Sheriff's Department. This is a significant money generating operation.
Sentenced inmates at the Eaton County Jail are charged a $40.00 per day housing fee. If they do not have any money, they receive a bill after they are released and collection procedures are implemented. Inmates are responsible for paying for doctor, dentist, nurse visits and other related medical charges incurred at our facility. The goal of this medical payment and collection system, within the guidelines of the law, is to reduce the burden to the taxpayers.
Eaton County Jail also rents space to other counties at this time. This generates money to the County's general fund; thereby, significantly reducing an additional burden to taxpayers. In 1995, inmates at our facility were billed for housing, medical and other costs (including those housed for other agencies) for a total of $1,249,436.00!
Food Services Unit
The Food Services Unit of the Jail is responsible for feeding all inmates in the Eaton County Jail and all juvenile offenders in the Eaton County Youth Facility. At three meals per day, this total over 215,000 meals per year! All special medical diets, such as those for diabetics, must be prepared properly to meet the needs of these individuals. This Unit is managed by a Dietitian who supervises three full-time cooks, three part-time cooks, and inmate helpers (called Trusties). By making large purchases and utilizing government surplus food, the Food Services Unit produces an average meal for about $0.82. A very economical deal.
Inmate Educational Unit
The Inmate Educational Unit (Inmate School Program) is run by a full-time Charlotte School Teacher. Approximately 75 inmates per year participate in the program. The students may earn a G.E.D. or a diploma, if they accumulate enough high school credits. The goal of this program is to provide an inmate with enough education to integrate back into society and locate employment after release. Advocating the release of productive citizens into society is far more beneficial than releasing those who are incapable of becoming productive citizens.
Jail Health Clinic
The Jail Health Clinic operations are overseen by two full-time Registered Nurses and a full-time Medical Clerk to assist in this area. A doctor and dentist report to our facility once a week, if needed, to provide inmates with these services. Psychological services are also provided to inmates by Eaton County Mental Health Services. Eaton County Substance Abuse and AA volunteers assist with drug and alcohol counseling for our inmates.
All housed inmates receive a physical examination for medical screening, problems and contagious diseases. Two negative pressure rooms are utilized for suspected tuberculosis cases. H.I.V. counseling and testing is also available.
The Eaton County Jail and Medical Clinic is accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. Strict standards must be followed in order to maintain this accreditation. Therefore, quality care and operational standards are adhered to at our facility.
Jail Administrator
The Jail Administrator for the Eaton County Jail is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all areas of the Corrections Division. Our facility is a 224 bed facility. All sections of the Jail are included within his command, the Food Services Unit, the Health Care Clinic, and the Jail.
The Jail Administrator establishes official guidelines which Corrections Deputies implement through various objectives based on local, state and federal laws. In order to insure that the necessary guidelines are being met, he must keep informed of and review new laws as they are passed and work to incorporate them into our policies and procedures.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the Eaton County Jail please feel free to contact me at (517)543-5035.
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