Skip to Content

CH 08 Commissary

Last modified by Ryan Larkin on 2021/12/16 17:05

Washington County Sheriff's Office

CORRECTIONS DIVISION

Policy Manual

Volume: CH

Services and Programs

Chapter: 08

Commissary

Replaces and/or Supersedes:

PH 21, Review 2013-03-05

Published:

03/05/2012

Date Reviewed:

12/16/2021

Sheriff Nate Brooksby

Chief Deputy Trevor Benson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CH 08_101  Definitions

CH 08_102  General

CH 08_103  Documentation

CH 08_104  Profits & Prices

CH 08_101  DEFINITIONS

  1. WCSO:  Washington County Sheriff's Office
  2. PCF:  Purgatory Correctional Facility

CH 08_102  GENERAL

  1. Policy:
    1. PCF shall provide a commissary for inmates.
    2. Inmates may purchase commissary items weekly. A product list should be provided to inmates to order from. Inmates shall not be allowed to visit the Commissary Unit to pick out the items they wish to purchase.
    3. The Commissary Unit shall stock writing paper, postcards, envelopes, pencils, and postage. Indigent items shall be available for inmates who cannot afford basic mail materials (reference policy: CH 04 Inmate Mail).
    4. The Commissary Unit should stock snack items, toiletries, and other approved items.
    5. Commissary purchase limits shall be regulated by the Commissary Unit.
    6. Commissary possession limits shall be regulated according to the inmate's classification assignment and housing location (reference policy: CG 04 Orientation and Rules).
  2. Rationale:
    1. Because of incarceration, inmates cannot go to a grocery or convenience store to buy wanted items. Thus, an inmate commissary is a practical, if not necessary, solution.
    2. Some commissary items are legally required for inmates to access courts and counsel.
    3. Snack items are helpful in influencing inmates' compliance with regulations and in maintaining inmate morale.

CH 08_103  DOCUMENTATION

  1. Policy:
    1. Purchases from the commissary shall be documented by an order form including the:
      1. Purchase items' names or descriptions;
      2. Purchase amounts;
      3. Inmate's name;
      4. Inmate's PCF name number;
      5. Inmate's signature; and
      6. Order date.
    2. Receipt of goods shall be confirmed by the inmate's signature on the delivery receipt, retained by the Commissary Unit. Inmates may be supplied a duplicate receipt.
    3. Accounting and inventory procedures should follow sound accounting procedures. The Corrections Chief Deputy may request the county auditor (or other qualified professional) to review procedures and/or assist in modifying procedures.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Purchases should be carefully documented to ensure that:
      1. Inmate funds are properly handled; and
      2. Inmates cannot make fraudulent or other mistaken allegations of misappropriation or mishandling.
    2. Jail officials should take reasonable precautions against the possibility of embezzlement, theft, mishandling, and poor accounting procedures. Few jail officers have training or experience in operating a retail business, bookkeeping, or inventory procedures; yet, unless the commissary is operated according to sound business and accounting procedures jail officials may be at risk of allegations of misconduct, theft, and/or incompetence.

CH 08_104  PROFITS & PRICES

  1. Policy:
    1. The commissary should not be operated for the purpose of generating substantial profits. Profits that are generated should be returned to the county general fund or used as directed by, or with the approval of, the County Commission.
    2. Each commissary product item shall be priced according to the same formula: Jail product purchase price increased by 30%.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Utah Code provides authority for county commissioners to:
      1. Establish funds which they deem necessary for the proper transaction of the business of the county and may transfer money from one account to another as the public interest may require;
      2. Examine and audit the accounts of all officers having the care, management, collection, or disbursement of money belonging to the county for its use and benefit; and
      3. Expend county funds as deemed advisable to carry out their lawful duties.
    2. Efficient procedures may reduce labor time and operating costs.
    3. Product prices offered to inmates higher than what was paid by the jail allow for the consideration of associated labor and operating costs.