To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement Between the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and HomeWAV for Video Visitation for Those Incarcerated
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the agreement between the HCSO and HomeWAV; and
2. Authorize the Sheriff to sign three (3) original copies of the agreement and any additional amendments, modifications, or extensions of this agreement.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Revenue generated for Inmate Welfare Fund
DISCUSSION:
Being in a very rural community and amid COVID-19 restrictions it has become increasingly more difficult for family members to visit incarcerated loved ones. The Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) continues to offer a minimum of two in-person visits per week to anyone incarcerated and in most cases more than two.
To expand the ability for family to communicate with their incarcerated loved ones the HCCF has sought out a company to provide video visitation. HCCF chose to partner with HomeWAV due to their upfront pricing and their excellent technology. This partnership will allow family an alternative to traveling to the facility while still being allowed to have communication with their loved ones.
Additionally, with this technology families will also have the ability to do messaging with their loved ones greatly reducing the time it takes for families to communicate and reducing the potential introduction of contraband into the facility.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The inmates/inmates families will establish an account with HomeWAV for the expenses related to the use of this system. There is no cost to the general fund or Inmate Welfare Fund. HomeWAV will pay a 30% revenue share to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office to be deposited to the Inmate Welfare Fund for the benefit of inmates. There is a minimum monthly guarantee determined by the Average Daily Population (ADP) that ranges from $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 per month. See Exhibit 2 of the attached agreement for a schedule of rates and break-down of the minimum monthly guarantee. Based on the minimum monthly guarantee, the Inmate Welfare Fund anticipates revenue of $36,000.00 to $60,000.00 per year. The revenue will enhance HCCF’s ability to provide additional education and re-entry program opportunities for inmates.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by fostering transparent, accessible, welcoming and user friendly services .
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose to not approve the agreement and authorize the Sheriff to sign it, but this is not recommended as it will prevent another way for families to communicate with their incarcerated loved ones.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Agreement with HomeWAV for Video Visitation within the Correctional Facility.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A