ACLU: Georgia sheriff revises policy on ban of jail books


Save Story

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union says a Georgia sheriff's office has revised a policy that had prohibited inmates from receiving outside books and magazines by mail or from visitors.

In April, the ACLU accused the Chatham County Sheriff's Office of violating the rights of inmates at the county jail in Savannah, saying authorities had enacted one of the "most egregious book bans" in U.S. prisons or jails.

Under the previous policy, inmates could only select reading materials from carts managed by jail staff.

In a statement Thursday, the ACLU says the new policy allows incarcerated people to order books and publications directly from publishers and vendors. The ACLU says it's pleased with the change, but remains concerned that incarcerated people are deprived of reading opportunities.

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Brittany Herren said the office had no immediate comment Friday.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Most recent U.S. stories

Related topics

The Associated Press
    KSL.com Beyond Business
    KSL.com Beyond Series

    KSL Weather Forecast

    KSL Weather Forecast
    Play button