Commissary-How is yours run?

[JKT]

Commissary, or "store" to some, is considered necessary by most inmates. This is the only place where they can buy; underwear, socks; snacks such as candy, Ramen soups, nuts, etc.

When I first got into this business, the Jail's Commissary was run by an officer. This man took orders, purchased the supplies, filled the orders and made the profit.

Then, it was run by a group of individuals, most of which were still employed by the county, although they did not actually handle any orders or money, just provided the financial support for the stock, and, of course received a portion of the profits.

After our current Sheriff was selected, bids were let out, and a private company was contracted to provide this service. This company, which is an international company, that is just recently (within the last 5 years or so) making inroads into the Southern states. It has been pretty large in the Northern and Eastern States for some time. (Still run by a bunch of.... ummm nevermind :) )

This company (in fairness, I think it's the manager) doesn't seem to be able to keep up with their inventory, they keep running out of items that are very popular (they also have our foodservice contract :( , and can't seem to fulfill their obligations there, either.)

How many foodservice contractors run out of things like flour, sugar, salt, etc? :confused: It's beyond me.

Anyway: is your "Store" run by your agency, an individual, or a contracted company?

[ 07-19-2001: Message edited by: JKT ]

[Tackleberry]

Our prison's Commissary is run by non-sworn DOC employees. The inmates must fill out and submit a commissary form 2 days before delivery. The orders are filled by the commissary people and put on carts which are seperated by housing units. The commissary is then delivered by a corrections officer to the housing units. The inmates must provide identification and sign for the commissary. It is delivered 2x a week in our prison. Most anything can be bought including tvs, radios, sneakers, etc... The prison makes a small killing off these "poor souls" (note: author's sarcasim when saying this). For instance the same walkman they sell for $35.00 and this is non-tape or CD, I can get at K-mart for $12.00. Talk about a profit margin, Who ever said crime don't pay??? Our prison's commissary sold close to 1 million dollars last year, I bet half of that was profit! I mean candy bars are 75 cents. They all bitch alot but keep on buying.

Tac
1* :D [/LIST]

[wonderwoman]

Congratulations on starting a thread!!!
People were beginning to think I was an undercover informant trying to get jail information for future reference!! :D

[JKT]

Originally posted by wonderwoman:
<STRONG>Congratulations on starting a thread!!!
People were beginning to think I was an undercover informant trying to get jail information for future reference!! :D</STRONG>

You mean you're not? :eek: :D

[gazza]

our prison shop/canteen is run by the prison (govt) it is open 5 days a week and the crims can by most stuff at it toiletries,cigs,lollys,drinks etc there was no tax at one stage which meant they where getting stuff cheaper in than out (wish we could)cant ever see it being run from another source it is all computerised and they must have a certain amount in there prisoner savings they are allowed $120 a calender month in there spend