VALPARAISO | State auditors have called into question a $25 processing fee imposed on inmates booked to the Porter County Jail.
The inmate processing fee, which was implemented in 2002 by county ordinance, is charged to all individuals who are brought to the county jail, including those who are later found not guilty. During 2006, the Sheriff's Department collected nearly $160,000 from the fee.
A recent review by the State Board of Accounts said the ordinance was incorrectly established and should be repealed by County Commissioners. The audit also states that the fees are inappropriate because the Inmate Trust Fund may only be used for the personal benefit of the inmate.
Porter County Sheriff David Lain, who said the fee has been contested since its inception, says the fee is a viable charge and should remain in place.
"The entire fund is used for the benefit of the jail, and most directly the inmates themselves," Lain said. "That's how we pay for the Chemical Addiction and Dependency Program."
Lain said the drug program has a large effect on the number of inmates who return to jail after being released. According to Lain, graduates of the 100-hour class have a recidivism rate of between 40 percent and 45 percent, compared to the typical recidivism rate at the jail of 65 percent to 70 percent.
"The biggest issue we have is how do we keep people from coming back," Lain said. "This has shown to be the single most powerful avenue toward reducing that."
The state has given notations to other counties throughout the state that have implemented similar fees, such as Lake County. Tammy White, supervisor for the SBA, said although the reports serve to audit compliance with state laws and regulations, they are not legally binding. White said the SBA provides criteria regarding the law with hopes that officials will consult legal counsel and review the appropriateness of each notation.
Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper said the fee can legally be justified and that the Board currently has no plans to repeal the ordinance.
