Sheriffs, Prison Operators Keep Control Of Phones

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's public service commissioners have stalled an effort to cut prices on collect calls from parish jail and state prison inmates.

The commission split 2-2, with one abstention, in a Thursday vote to impose new rules and lower rates, reports The Town Talk (http://townta.lk/TQ55X9 )

The issue could recur at the PSC's December meeting.

Social justice groups that aid inmates and family members of inmates left disappointed after their pleas failed.

The proposal is being pushed by Chairman Foster Campbell and supported by Commissioner Jimmy Field. Arguments from Louisiana Sheriffs Association attorney Craig Frosch and Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James Le Blanc persuaded Commissioner Lambert Bossiere III to abstain. He had appeared to favor the effort.

Commissioners Clyde Holloway and Eric Skrmetta oppose the move.

Categories: AP News