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| Policy Bars Visitors with Pending Drug Charges |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 01/30/2006 |
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Visitors to a western Kentucky jail who have pending drug charges will be turned away, according to a new policy. Staff at the Butler County Jail raised concerns after a few incidents in which people visiting the jail tried to leave drugs for inmates. They say the new policy will help improve safety. The jail has posted a sign at the entrance instructing those with pending drug crimes not to enter. Though restrictions on jail visitors have been upheld by courts, the American Civil Liberties Union is questioning the policy. They said a blanket denial of visitors with drug charges raises constitutional issues. "If there's a problem with drugs in the jail, the best way to fix it is to supervise visits," said Beth Wilson, executive director of the Kentucky ACLU. Under Butler County's policy, people charged with drug crimes can't visit - even if they haven't been convicted of the charge. Jailer Terry Fugate said people could try to bypass Butler County's policy. "Some visitors such as those from out of state may be able to sneak in with charges that we don't know about," Fugate said. Butler County's visiting policy is more restrictive than in neighboring counties. Warren and Allen counties require offenders on probation or parole to get preapproved to visit inmates. Those charged with crimes in Barren County can't visit a co-defendant in jail, jailer Leland Cox said. |
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