ALFRED — The York County Jail is looking to end in-person visits between inmates and their families and friends to cut down on the amount of drugs, tobacco and other contraband being smuggled in.

Jail Administrator Michael Vitiello said if the state corrections department approves his application, he’ll expand the jail’s video visitation program to allow more visits for inmates by video.

But Vitiello’s plan has its critics.

Attorney Zachary Heiden of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine told the Journal Tribune that video visitation can be a valid supplement to in-person visits, but that eliminating them for all inmates is too drastic. He said there are consequences for people breaking the law, and that Vitiello’s proposal punishes all inmates — even those who haven’t broken any rules.


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