Scott County Council rejects Sheriff's debit card proposal for inmate funds

By Sharon Estep

The Scott County Council rejects Sheriff Jerry Goodin's debit card proposal for inmate funds; citing concerns over security, oversight, and legal compliance as reason for policy denial.

Approximately a month ago, Goodin proposed implementing a debit card linked to the inmate trust account, aiming to streamline financial transactions for inmate needs. This suggestion prompted the County Council to consult both the State Board of Accounts and legal counsel to assess the proposal's viability.

Indiana law differentiates between debit and credit cards:

• Credit Cards: Represent a contractual agreement with a company to borrow funds up to a certain limit.

• Debit Cards: Facilitate electronic funds transfers directly from existing accounts.

  
  

Council members expressed significant apprehension about issuing a credit card linked to county accounts. The primary concern centered on potential fraud: if a debit card were compromised, county funds could be directly accessed, with reimbursement only occurring after fraud is proven. In contrast, fraudulent charges on credit cards typically involve the credit card company's funds, reducing direct risk to county finances.

A major point of contention was the lack of Council oversight over the inmate trust account. Council members were hesitant to draft a policy for an account they couldn't monitor, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to legal standards. Inmate trust accounts should primarily handle individual inmate transactions, with funds transferred appropriately for commissary purchases.

After considering alternative methods the Council chose to not establish a debit card policy for any county department citing security risks and the absence of necessary oversight mechanisms.