HomeMy WebLinkAboutSH18-020 SECURUS EMESSAGING - Agenda Staff ReportKITTITAS COUNTY
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
AGENDA DATE: May 15, 2018
ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Acknowledge eMessaging Agreement between
Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office and Securus Technologies, Inc.
BACKGROUND: The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office desires to contract with Securus
for the use of the vendor’s eMessaging system, which enables two-way electronic
communication between friends and family and their incarcerated loved one. The system
works by allowing friends and family to purchase ‘stamps’ which they can use to fund
the transmission of an electronic message to an inmate. Each text message costs one
stamp, while a text message with an attached picture costs two stamps. If the sender
wishes, they can include an additional stamp that will allow the inmate to send a single
return message. Return messages are text only. Inmates are not able to purchase their own
stamps at this time. The corrections facility will be provided with a web-based portal that
allows the review of messaging with various options for review. The facility can approve
or reject a message based on its policies and criteria.
Securus eMessaging improves the efficiency of staff and reduces paper mail by
transmitting communication electronically – all at no cost to the facility. All messages
flow through the eMessaging facility portal for analysis, review and release to intended
party if approved. Unlike physical mail, all messages are stored electronically for
investigation and analysis and are easily accessed using intuitive sort and search tools.
Securus will pay the County a commission of 20% on each redeemed stamp, based on the
purchase price of the stamp. (No estimate of new revenue is currently available.) A stamp
is considered redeemed with it is used to send an original message or when a single return
message from the inmate is prepaid for by the inmate’s friends and family. Securus will
remit the payment for a calendar month to the County on or before the 30th day after end
of the calendar month in which the stamps were redeemed.
INTERACTION: This professional services agreement was reviewed and approved by
the Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office.
RECOMMENDATION: Request to Acknowledge eMessaging Agreement between
Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office and Securus Technologies, Inc.
HANDLING: None.
LEAD STAFF: Commander Paula Hoctor