NEW TAZEWELL, Tenn. (AP) - At least two East Tennessee jails have started allowing inmates to smoke electronic cigarettes, saying they cut down on disturbances and a contraband trade in regular cigarettes.
Claiborne County Sheriff David Ray told The Knoxville News Sentinel (https://bit.ly/1skXrXw) the electronic cigarettes can’t be taken apart or used as weapons. Still, inmates have to turn in their used e-cigarette in order to buy a new one.
Ray said they cost $10 each in the commissary. One e-cigarette is the equivalent of two-and-a-half packs of regular cigarettes.
Greene County Sheriff Steve Burns began allowing inmates to use e-cigarettes in August. He says there has been a decrease in fights since then.
Ray agreed, saying the jail doesn’t make a big profit on the e-cigarettes, but they help keep the peace.
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Information from: Knoxville News Sentinel, https://www.knoxnews.com
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