Sheriff initiates two new programs
Get out of jail card...fast tracking through the system
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Jeff Milner, PayTRUST Solutions president and co-owner, trained Carroll County jailers on how to use the system Feb. 28. Milner explained the two-step process and described how the system would work in the jail. Those pictured during the training, left to right, are Milner, jailers Lori Sustarsic, Pat Hankins, Walt Radersdorf, Steve Pearson Jon Randle, Spencer Kingery and Sheriff Tony Burns. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

When Tony Burns ran for sheriff of Carroll County last year, he said he would identify problems at the jail and work to make operations more efficient to help reduce inmate population. He also said he would research available programs which would enhance the safety of county residents.

Burns pursued both of those election promises last week. Credit and debit cards can now be used to bond out of jail

PayTRUST Solutions of Indianapolis will provide a twostep process to assist those with cash bonds to use their credit or debit cards to access ready cash. In addition, PayTRUST assumes all liability for the transaction. There is no cost to the county.

Those who are arrested and sanctioned with a cash bond will be able to call a toll-free number from the jail and provide credit information. PayTRUST Solutions will verify the information and the availability of funds and fax a verification form back to the jail. The service is available 24 hours a day. Those using the service will pay a non-refundable ten percent charge for the service. A valid photo identification is required.

Both debit and credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Diners Club, JCB and American Express (with some restrictions) will be accepted.

Funds will be electronically transferred to the clerk's office within 48 hours according to Jeff Milner, PayTRUST Solutions president and co-owner.

"This process should help us move some prisoners through the jail a little faster," Burns said. "In that way, we could see a reduction in the jail population, which will save the county money because we won't be housing and feeding as many prisoners."

Can you hear me now?

Carroll County residents now have the opportunity to recycle no-longer-needed cell phones for a good cause. Citizens who are seniors or those victimized by domestic violence are the intended recipients of the phones.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office has partnered with RMS, a Florida-based communications group specializing in recycling and re-marketing unused cell phones.

The sheriff's office will be the drop-off site for unwanted and unused cell phones and charger. The phones will go to the RMS 911 Cell Phone Bank. RMS will rehabilitate and convert the donated phones for emergency 911 use.

The exact units donated by Carroll County residents may not be returned to the community, however the sheriff's office will receive a 911 cell phone for each unit donated to the program in Carroll County. All phones returned to use will have been tested and packaged with an extra battery and charger to distribute to the public.

Sheriff Burns encouraged individuals, businesses and other organizations to donate their unused cell phones in a March 1 news release. Donations will provide a critical link between law enforcement and senior citizens or those victimized by domestic violence.

Phones can be dropped off at the sheriff's office 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information visit www.911cellphonebank.org or call Burns at (765) 564-4321.