In exchange for good behavior, inmates at a La Porte, Ind., jail may soon have the opportunity to order takeout food from local restaurants about once a month.
"Inmates can order through their commissary," said Sheriff John Boyd, according to the South Bend Tribune. "They can order say, cheeseburgers, pizza, chicken nuggets, that type of thing."
The incentive program is not a new idea—Indiana State Prison in Michigan City has had this program for about 20 years, said spokeswoman Pam James, reported the Times Media.
The LaPorte jail intended to launch the program last week, but wasn't able to push it through because of potential security risks.
"We are very cognizant of the packaging it will come in, we want to cut down on any contraband that would be coming in," said Boyd, according to ABC57 News.
Many local restaurants consider this a chance to have more customers and have requested to be included in the program.
"The opportunity to feed 300 or more people in one afternoon is perfect," said Dan Thornberry, co-owner of a local restaurant.
Boyd said that, in order to implement the program, more staff would be needed—but it won't affect taxes.
"They are human beings, and if it improves their behavior a little bit, it makes our jail a safer place," said Boyd. "I don't know how anyone can complain about that, especially [if] it's not costing our taxpayers any money whatsoever."
