Inmates Get ATM, But Can’t Escape Service Fees

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark County Jail will introduce an automated-teller kiosk in the jail reception to reduce the administration costs associated with managing inmate money accounts.

With an average daily population of almost 800 inmates in 2006, Clark County Jail handled nearly

$1 million in inmate funds, which has become an increasingly time-consuming and costly administration task, officials say. However, despite the new kiosk reducing administration costs, officials will impose a $2.50 transaction fee that will be deducted from the funds deposited.

The self-service kiosk, which works like a drop-safe or ATM allows family and visitors to deposit money directly to inmate accounts.

Deposited cash is held in a secure compartment inside the machine, which electronically credits the inmate’s account. Mini-statements detailing transaction activity and account balances will be routed to inmates on a daily basis.

Although money orders and cashier’s checks will still be handled at the jail’s reception desk, visitors also have the option of using debit and credit cards to deposit funds.

Inmates can use the funds in their accounts to purchase commissary items, such as snacks, beverages and clothing, and co-payments for medical visits and prescriptions are also charged to inmate accounts.