Melodie Phelps, News Editor
Monticello — It's been two years since the Wayne County Detention Center, and county
jails across the state, became smoke-free. But there is still many who do
not understand why the change came about.
In a letter to local jailers, Jeff R. Burton, Director of Local
Facilities with the Department of Corrections, explained that the change
made in March 2008 was due to a new Kentucky Jail Standard, approved by the
state legislature, which makes all jails in the state non-smoking.
Burton noted the Department of Corrections has learned that some jailers
or other county officials have been led to believe that the county jailer
has some discretion in the matter.
"Please be advised this is incorrect and that neither jailers nor any
other county official can knowingly violate a Kentucky Jail Standard,"
stated Burton. "Smoking in jails creates serious health hazards for staff
and inmates alike. Smoking in jails also creates and causes damage to the
HVAC systems in the jails and increases general maintenance costs to keep
the jails clean and sanitary."
Wayne County Jailer Ray Upchurch noted that the local facility became
smoke-free in March 2008, when the new standard became effective. Inmates at
the Detention Center can use smokeless tobacco, Upchurch noted.
He said that he understands it may difficult for inmates, who have
smoked for many years, to give up tobacco altogether.
"The canteen also sells Nicorette gum and a lot of inmates choose to do
that or the smokeless tobacco," stated Upchurch.
He noted that since the facility became smoke-free, maintenance costs
for the air flow system have decreased at the facility.