Measure includes funds for jail system

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — A $300,000 computerized inmate management system for Mahoning County Jail is included in a $410 billion spending measure approved by the U.S. House of Representatives last week.

Anthony T. Traficanti, chairman of the county commissioners, announced Thursday that U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-17th, of Niles, was instrumental in including that system in the spending bill. The measure still needs U.S. Senate approval and the signature of President Barack Obama.

The money would allow the county to purchase technology to interface the court computer system with the county jail.

This software program will enable county court personnel, prosecutors and sheriff’s office personnel to monitor at any time which inmates are jailed, prioritize who does and does not need to be jailed and manage jail costs, Traficanti said.