The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office is lowering commissary price increases for inmates, and providing shower sandals to inmates at time of admission.

Under an agreement reached between Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux and the Keefe Commissary Network, the BCSO’s vendor for inmate goods, those incarcerated in Bristol County will pay less for optional clothing, snacks, toiletries and other items.

A commissary is a small store within a jail or prison where inmates may purchase products such as hygiene items, snacks and more. 

The changes will go into effect in mid-July.

Previously, an additional 31.75% was added to the cost of the commissary items. Starting in mid-July, the mark will be lowered to 20% with commissions continuing to be earmarked for inmate services.

The drop in markup means inmates will pay about 12% less for commissary goods than they currently do. 

Funds generated must be used on inmates; in other words, per state law, the BCSO cannot use it for salaries or vehicles that inmates do not directly use.

The cost of providing sandals does not fall on the taxpayers because it will come from commission generated from inmate commissary purchases.