(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
INMATE. Any person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, or who enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or misdemeanor by any court of the state and committed to the County Detention Center by virtue thereof and/or committed in default of a payment of any fine or cost adjudged against them.
WORK RELEASE. A program by which participating inmates may be gainfully employed or permitted to attend school outside the confines of the County Detention Center during the period of their commitment.
(B) In accordance with A.C.A. § 12-42-116, the Sheriff of County is hereby empowered to institute a work release program whereby inmates of the County Detention Center may be permitted to be gainfully employed or attend school outside the confines of the County Detention Center during the period of their incarceration pursuant to regulations adopted by the Sheriff.
(C) No inmate shall be permitted to participate in the work release program unless first expressly permitted to do so in writing, by the Judge of the Court which imposed the sentence.
(D) Any salaries, wages, commissions or other remuneration earned by the inmate by his or her participation in the work release program shall be paid directly to the Sheriff. The Sheriff shall then make the following disposition of funds thus received:
(1) He or she shall deduct an amount of $10 per day which shall be paid directly into the County General Fund for the purpose of reimbursing the county for costs expended in the feeding and housing of the inmate.
(2) In any case where the Judge of the sentencing court has determined that the inmate is responsible for the support and upkeep of other persons, he or she may direct that a specific amount be deducted from the inmate's work release earnings for payment thereof. The Sheriff will make these deductions and pay them over to the proper individuals, in any case where the Judge of the sentencing court has determined that the inmate should pay restitution and/or reparation to any victim of his or her crime.
(3) He or she may direct that a specific amount be deducted from the inmate's work release earnings for payment thereof, not to exceed 25% of his or her net salary after any deductions under divisions (D)(1) or (2) above. The Sheriff will make these deductions and pay them over to the proper individuals.
(4) At the request of the inmate and at the discretion of the Sheriff, certain deductions may be used for the inmate's personal expenses.
(5) Any remainder from the inmate's work release earnings shall be retained by the Sheriff in an escrow account for disbursal to the inmate on his or her final discharge from the County Detention Center. The Sheriff shall maintain a written record of all transactions made upon the inmate's account. This record shall be available for inspecting by the participating inmate, the Judge of the sentencing Court, the Prosecuting Attorney, and any other member of the County Quorum Court.
(Ord. 94-2, passed 1-18-94)