Sandoval County considering eliminating jailhouse smoking

From the Rio Rancho Observer - BY ARGEN DUNCAN  - BERNALILLO - Need that nicotine fix? It may no longer be available at the Sandoval County jail. County commissioners are set to vote on whether to ban tobacco products from the grounds of the county jail. The measure is on the agenda for the commission meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday in the county administration building in Bernalillo.If approved, the ban would prevent inmates from using or having tobacco products. Staff members would be allowed to use and have them only in the employee parking lot. As it stands, inmates and staff can smoke in outdoor areas.Detention Center Director Al Casamento said the ban is aimed at creating a healthier environment for employees and inmates.Commis-sioner Don Leonard said he supports the ban because the county must pay for health care for inmates, including state prisoners housed in Sandoval County. Removing tobacco use could curb health problems in both smokers and inmates exposed to second-hand smoke, he said."I'm sure it's going to be tough," Leonard said.Some inmates are addicted to tobacco, so the ban will be a struggle, he continued. However, Leonard said taxpayers should get relief because they would pay for fewer inmate medical problems.The ban would forbid staff, inmates, visitors and contractors from having or using tobacco inside or on the outdoor grounds of the jail or in jail vehicles, according to county documents. Inmates would never be able to use or have tobacco products, including when they were off-site under supervision of jail personnel. Read more

Sandoval County considering eliminating jailhouse smoking