Baxter County officials block inmate uniform proposal

MOUNTAIN HOME — The Baxter County Quorum Court has killed a proposal to replace inmates' black-and-white striped jail uniforms with green scrubs.

The Baxter Bulletin reported that the court voted down the proposal 10-1 Tuesday night. The only vote in favor came from the proposal's creator, Gary Tennison. He called the uniforms dehumanizing.

Tennison said inmates are humiliated by the uniforms, which has a negative impact on their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Sheriff John Montgomery previously called the uniforms a public safety issue. He said he doesn't want inmates in outfits that resemble civilian clothing in case they escape.

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