East Central Texas News

CORSICANA – Commissioners approved Navarro County Jail Capt. Charlie York’s request for a new inmate communications and visitation system.

York said he was grateful the board approved the addition to the NCIC Inmate Communications agreement, in addition to approving a bid for new kitchen appliances for the jail. 

The new communications agreement would upgrade a 2011 contract that has become costly. It will include maintenance, warranty work, and an installation that wouldn’t come out of the county’s pocket. 

The new communications equipment will only take 90 days to install and will equip each cell with a monitor, increasing security and eliminating inmates from having to leave their cell during visitations, York said in the meeting, according to the Corsicana Daily Sun. This will help the officers and enhance safety by limiting inmate movement.

The monitors also allow inmates to file requests and request assistance from officers and medical staff, making it easier for jail officials to follow privacy laws. 

Visitors will be able to register for visitations online, which generates a code that makes the check-in process more fluid. It also alerts the inmate they have a visit scheduled and when they are there. 

This new service also comes with a text messaging feature that increases commissions on inmate phone services for the jail system. York said that it allows inmates and visitors to communicate back and forth at a charge, according to the Daily Sun.

The Plano Restaurant Equipment will replace 20-year-old equipment that is starting to break down, York said. Revenue from the inmate commissary will pay for the new equipment, which will only take three days to install. Commissioners approved the request and praised the impressive condition of the jail's kitchen.

“I can tell you from going over the jail inspections, and meeting with the inspector, he commented that our jail and the kitchen area are one of the cleanest in the state,” Eddie Moore, Precinct 3 commissioner, told the Daily Sun. “I think that attributes to the longevity of the equipment, is keeping it clean, and keeping it operating, and I applaud the jailers for doing that.”

Also during the meeting, Precinct 4 Commissioner James Olsendiscussed a budget amendment for testing misdemeanor marijuana cases after the Department of Public Safety said it would no longer provide them because of the new hemp laws. In a letter, District Attorney Will Dixon wrote that his office will decline misdemeanor marijuana cases because of a lack of funds for these tests.  

Donald Kelm, district extension administrator with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, also announced Andrew Lewis, assistant ag/4H Agent for Navarro County, as Navarro County's new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent. 

“I want to make sure that you, the court, know how much I appreciate the continued support that you provide the program, the continued support you provide me in my position, as well as my agents in the county here,” Kelm said in a news release.