California: Unlike San Francisco, No Condoms in Sacramento Jail, Sheriff Says

Correctional authorities have installed 16 condom machines in the San Francisco County Jail's San Bruno facility, but Sacramento County officials say they have no plans to follow suit. "It may be controversial, but I think the larger health education message is important," San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey told the San Francisco Chronicle. However, Sacramento Sherriff John McGinness noted that sex between inmates is illegal, and he said distributing condoms behind bars "actually condones unlawful activity." Handing out condoms, McGinness said, would be like giving prisoners "cocktail glasses, margarita blenders, and roach clips." He added Sacramento used to issue condoms to inmates prior to release but has stopped doing so.

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