Mich. county seeks to prevent shouting at inmates
PAW PAW, Mich. (AP) - A new law takes effect in early December
making it illegal to give a shout-out to an inmate at the Van Buren
County Jail. A century-old section of the jail in the heart of Paw
Paw has no air conditioning, so its barred windows are opened in
warm weather. The wing stands only a few feet from the sidewalk,
separated from it by a tall chain-link fence crowned by spirals of
razor wire.
The open windows serve as an open invitation for some people to
stand outside and yell for their friends and loved ones inside.
Sometimes they hold entire conversations together.
Sheriff Dale Gribler asked county commissioners for help. They
adopted an ordinance in September that makes shouting at inmates a
misdemeanor - punishable by up to 90 days in jail.
11/03/09 15:41
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