(a) If they have money for cigarettes can't they give that money to taxpayers?
(b) Couldn't it possibly necessitate medical care in the future, again likely paid for by taxpayers?
2006-11-24 04:22:27 · 14 answers · asked by Joy_Brigade 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Here in Ontario Canada it is illegal to smoke in jail or any other buildings for that matter. Not even in your local restaurant or pub.
But when smoking was legal they smoked because there was nothing better to do i guess. Inmates get a certain amount of an "allowance" each week and purchase sigarettes with that, or they do "favors" for other inmates in exchange for cigarettes. Family members also put money in inmates "accounts" so they can purchase things in jail.
Yes, having inmates smoking in jail can cause further taxpayers money to be spent on the medical care of these inmates, but not only for the ones who smoke, but also for the ones who are taking in second hand smoke which is worse than smoking in itself.
2006-11-24 04:48:12 · answer #1 · answered by skybluebabyboo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many prisons and jails are becoming non-smoking facilities.
Also, that money they get to buy cigarettes is usually coming from an outside source like a family member or friend. The commisary is being filled by other people outside of the jail, and not by the prisoner themselves.
2006-11-24 12:26:44 · answer #2 · answered by Nep-Tunes 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Michigan all jails and prisons are smoke free. No the prisoners dont have to give the money to the taxpayers they got it from their families already.
2006-11-24 12:25:50 · answer #3 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that more and more jails and prisons are banning smoking and all tobacco products just for the reasons you mentioned. I know that my two friends that are deputies in jails have told me that. It does create some tense moments when a new prisoner starts the withdrawl process, but in the long run it is worth it for the jail employees, the prisoners, and the lower medical costs to the government.
2006-11-24 12:26:11 · answer #4 · answered by jpbofohio 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Prisoners will have their friends and family members bring them in for them, or they will barter for them. Also, some prisons are smoke free and do not allow any tobacco inside them.
And just because they are in prison, does not mean that they do not have any rights. Don't get on my butt about this - yes, I know they are in prison for a reason and blah blah blah, but until we are willing to deny rights to all of the illegal immigrants in our country right now, then I think it should be okay for a convict to have a smoke now and again.
2006-11-24 12:34:09 · answer #5 · answered by quatrapiller 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People in prison smoke for the same reasons people out of jail smoke...It's a habit. Just because your behind bars doesn't make you some other specie
2006-11-24 12:27:34 · answer #6 · answered by lady 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess smoking and eating are the only pleasure they have. Some county jails don't allow prisoner to smoke, as they are considered government buildings and you can't smoke in other government building.
(b) YES, you're right.
2006-11-24 12:26:04 · answer #7 · answered by robert2020 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They have these things called canteens that, when they get out of jail finally, they are charged for.
(b)It wouldn't matter because health coverage is limited for us smokers, if you haven't noticed them say "Jane Doe is 45 years old and doesn't use tobacco, and she gets great coverage by Blah Industries...." and other stuff like that.
2006-11-24 12:25:22 · answer #8 · answered by Cold Fart 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
That's like saying why do people smoke in the outside world what a blooby stupid question, I think you are smoking something when you wrote this
2006-11-24 12:25:25 · answer #9 · answered by Ivan 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
its because of a thing called addiction
2006-11-24 12:24:42 · answer #10 · answered by cyberwarlocklord 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋