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Show Coeiity iai! to be smoke-free Beginning April 1, inmates of the Utah County Jail will not be allowed to smoke. And although the new policy will be hard on smokers incarcerated in the facility, jail personnel say it will be enforced, with tobacco products treated as contraband alter that date. Lt. John Carlson. Jail Commander, Com-mander, said while it is expected there will be a few problems to start with, personnel are prepared to deal with any discomfort or withdrawals inmates might experience. In addition to providing "intensive counseling" for those who want it. personnel will have such items as jawbreakers, gum, licorice, peanuts and even carrot sticks to pass out as substitutes. The change to the smoke-free environment was brought about because of the the Surgeon General's determination that "second-hand" smoke is detrimental to the health and safety of non-smokers as well as smokers, Carlson said. He added the ventilation system at the jail doesn't meet Clean Air Act requirements for smoking areas and overcrowding conditions at the facility makes it impossible to segregate individuals for other than Constitutional reasons. The new ban will also reduce the danger of fire at the jail caused by the use of cigarette lighters or matches. Officials said the new policy is being met by mixed reactions from prisoners. While some of the inmates in-mates are glad they will no longer be housed with people who smoke, others have gone so far as to write letters to the County Commissioners protesting the decision. Carlson said smoking is not a Constitutionally protected right, however. Officials feel the initial stages of the program will be critical, but that prisoners will eventually come to the jail "psychologically ready not to smoke." Inmates who want to quit smoking will be able to take part in the Fresh Start program put out by the American Cancer Society which is already available at the jail, Carlson said. Utah County won't be the first jail in the state to have a no-smoking ban. At least one jail already has the policy in effect, and another is in the process of initiating it along with Utah County. |