Inmates with drug problems in Manatee County Jail now have the opportunity to get the help they need to get clean before they leave.

  • Recovery Pod gives low-risk inmates access to recovery programs
  • 65 percent of inmates at Manatee County Jail have some time of substance abuse issue
  • 50 beds currently available for inmates

In January, an Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service was started at the jail in Palmetto. On Thursday, we were invited to see it and learn how it works.

In recent years, corrections deputies saw an increase in the amount of inmates dealing with drug and alcohol issues. For that reason the Sheriff's Office decided to open the Recovery Pod, located in the Annex Building at the jail.

This residential unit provides an environment where qualified low-risk inmates are given access to faith-based programs and recovery-oriented meetings. They also have the opportunity to take instructional classes in life skills, anger management, employment training and parenting.

“If we can give them the tools they need to succeed when they get out, I think it will benefit them and the community as a whole,” Lt. Yvonne Ingersoll said.

Many of the inmates in the program said they’ve never had this type of opportunity before.

“I’m tired,” inmate Shea Batson said. “I’m ready for a change. I’ve never had an opportunity at anything like this.”

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, 65 percent of the inmate population at the Manatee County jail admit to having some type of substance abuse issue.

To participate in the program, inmates have to volunteer to sign up. To stay, they have to be 100 percent committed.

There are 50 beds available: 30 are for men and 20 are for women.

The average stay in the program is 60 days, as inmates are either released or transitioned back to general population.