We are not ‘policing for profit’
The Ramsey County Sheriff ’s Office disputes the characterization of its legally authorized booking fee as “policing for profit.” The fact is that the $25 booking fee covers only a fraction of the actual cost involved. There is no profit to the county.
Taxpayers remain responsible for the bulk of booking costs. Moreover, the booking fee is expressly authorized by a Minnesota state statute, which makes the fee “payable immediately” from any money possessed by the person being booked. This legally authorized fee furthers offender accountability and represents good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
In addition, the county has a refund policy in place for any person who is not charged, has charges dismissed or is acquitted. Any refund check issued under this policy is sent within 30 days of receiving a refund application. We also have a grievance procedure in place that allows an inmate to challenge any claimed wrongful deduction. Neither Erik Mickelson nor Corey Statham, who have sued the county, took advantage of either process.
The use of booking and other jail fees is widespread throughout the United States, and courts have consistently upheld the practice. With regard to Ramsey County’s specific practices, two federal courts reviewed and rejected Mickelson’s and Statham’s claims.
Debit cards, containing any unused funds, are issued to inmates upon release. For administrative and security purposes, debit cards are the best option in a secure correctional facility. Since people are released from our facility at all hours of the day and night, these cards provide them instant access to their funds. While the fees associated with the debit cards were initially challenged, the district court concluded that the fees “are largely avoidable.” The federal appeals court did not consider the issue.
It should be noted that the Ramsey County Sheriff ’s Office continually examines existing policies and procedures. Our new sheriff, Jack Serier, has stated that the booking fee policy will be examined in the coming year.