Michael: Funding approved for Putnamville prison security

INDIANAPOLIS -- State Rep. Nancy Michael (D-Greencastle) announced today that funding has been approved to improve the safety for staff and inmates at the Putnamville Correctional Facility.

Michael said the State Budget Committee agreed to appropriate $390,000 to upgrade Putnamville's video surveillance system. The funding was approved during the committee's monthly business meeting today at Purdue University in West Lafayette.

"Presently, the surveillance system at Putnamville is inadequate, using cameras salvaged from a facility that was closed," Michael said. "This type of system is supposed to cover five housing units that are multi-storied, open dormitories.

"Obviously, there is a serious need to upgrade the surveillance equipment to protect staff, as well as offenders," she continued. "The funding approved today by the State Budget Committee will enable us to provide a modern, up-to-date security operation."

Michael said the new system will allow for remote, real-time monitoring of the units from a centrally-located, secure control room. She said the system also will help identify and prosecute perpetrators whenever prison managers investigate incidents.

"Facilities like Putnamville are designed to keep offenders behind bars, but we are obliged to take all available steps to make sure that we protect everyone who stays there, and everyone who works there," Michael concluded.