Beginning March 14 the Bartholomew County Jail is suspending all visitation until further notice.
Only attorneys, DCS and those with court orders will be permitted in the jail, a press release from the jail said Friday.
The money kiosk for inmate commissary funds, which is located in the jail’s front lobby, is closed. Money can still be placed in inmate accounts online at accesscorrections.com or by phone: 866-345-1884. The company accepts Visa and other charge cards in lieu of cash. Only essential items (keys, wallets, etc.) will be released on weekends until further notice.
Inmates are being screened per state and national procedures. Separate housing has been made available for new incoming inmates.
Security service will remain available at the Bartholomew County Courthouse.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers has been in contact with state and national officials including Congressman Greg Pence who is in Washington D.C. monitoring the situation and who briefed the Sheriff within the past two hours, the news release says.
“BCSO is working with the courts to implement alternative means and will be cutting back on transports to eliminate possible exposure to our staff and inmates,” said Bartholomew County Jail Commander John Martoccia.
Work crews have been suspended until further notice.
Chief Deputy Major Chris Lane said that BCSO’s Road Patrol and Jail Divisions have a plan for staff shortages up to 40%.
“Our leadership team has been very proactive in providing a plan that will work for our agency and for citizens of Bartholomew County,” Sheriff Myers said. “The crisis that we are seeing will not give criminals in Bartholomew County a ‘pass card.’ I assure you, we will continue with all Sheriff’s Office and Jail services.”
Employees have been given proper protective gear.
