Commissioners asked to allow use of electronic cigarettes at Community Justice Complex

Nov. 6—ANDERSON — The Madison County Commissioners are being asked to allow the sale and use of electronic cigarettes in the Community Justice Complex.

David Kane, director of the Community Justice Center, requested permission from the commissioners Monday to allow the sale and use of the electronic cigarettes in the community justice and work release facilities.

Kane said the Indiana Court of Appeals issued a ruling out of a Clinton County lawsuit that allows jails to sell electronic cigarettes and for inmates to use the product.

He said the county previously adopted an ordinance prohibiting the use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in county owned detention facilities.

Kane said inmates at the Madison County jail are being allowed to purchase and use electronic cigarettes.

"It is resulting in an increased level of misconduct," he said. "People are trying to get back to the jail to be able to use electronic cigarettes."

Kane said there has also been an increase in the number of medical runs from the Community Justice Complex so people can use electronic cigarettes when outside of the facility.

He said there have already been 200 ambulance runs this year from the complex.

"I'm asking to be allowed to sell and control the use of electronic cigarettes," Kane said. "They will not be sold to anyone under the age of 18."

He said there are areas in both complexes that can be segregated for the use of the electronic cigarettes.

Commissioner John Richwine said the jail has already made the transition.

"I would like to talk to the sheriff," Richwine said in making a motion to continue the request to the Nov. 21 meeting.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.