TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Inmates at the Leon County Jail raised their voices in praise this Easter Sunday because, for the first time in a long time, they can see their children from behind bars.
It's one of the first policies put in place by Sheriff Walt McNeil. Starting Sunday, children are allowed to visit family members at the county correctional facility.
According to Lieutenant Diane Sheffield, this new policy helps test video visitation systems the sheriff's office hopes to set up throughout the facility. Sheffield also says it gives the inmates a sense of security.
"It just let them know that everyday is not a dark day and with team work and effort we can make somebody feel better at the end of the day," said Lt. Sheffield.
"I'm real excited that they," said Debbie Snodgrass, who was there with her grandchildren to visit her daughter. "It's a good thing. It's a good thing for them. I don't have the younger one that I brought earlier. You know she's five so she cries all the time for her mom and for her to get to come and see her is overwhelming."
Officials say, while video visitation reconnects loves ones, it is also intended prevent contraband from getting into the facility.
