Mich. county seeks to prevent shouting at inmates

Thanksgiving tips to make the holiday meal easy and delicious
11/20/09
Are you willing to watch your children fail?
11/20/09
Animal clinic collecting food to feed hungry family pets
11/20/09
When it comes to health, Michigan tops Ohio
11/20/09
Dad goes into overdrive with daughter at the wheel
11/19/09
> More lifestyle headlines

The Associated Press Updated 9:06 PM Tuesday, November 3, 2009

PAW PAW, Mich. — A new law takes effect in early December making it illegal to give a shout-out to an inmate at the Van Buren County Jail. A century-old section of the jail in the heart of Paw Paw has no air conditioning, so its barred windows are opened in warm weather. The wing stands only a few feet from the sidewalk, separated from it by a tall chain-link fence crowned by spirals of razor wire.

The open windows serve as an open invitation for some people to stand outside and yell for their friends and loved ones inside. Sometimes they hold entire conversations together.

Sheriff Dale Gribler asked county commissioners for help. They adopted an ordinance in September that makes shouting at inmates a misdemeanor — punishable by up to 90 days in jail.

___

November 04, 2009 02:02 AM EST

Share this article