HOLLIDAYSBURG — Some Blair County inmates may soon have the option of being released if they’re willing to comply with court-ordered conditions, including ankle bracelet monitoring.

While the county’s parole and probation office has a history of relying on ankle bracelets to supervise those on parole and probation, commissioners Dave Kessling and Laura Burke voted Thursday to approve a contract amendment as a step toward introducing another effort aimed at reducing the county jail inmate population.

The jail, which has long been described as overcrowded, now houses just over 300 inmates, down from its previous highs of about 400 inmates.

As part of the amendment, VigilNet America LLC will be expected to monitor readings from the bracelets worn by those released from prison. The monitors will be capable of tracking the wearer’s location and other factors such as alcohol consumption.

Commissioner Dave Kessling said Thursday it’s expected that sheriff’s deputies, in conjunction with detectives in the district attorney’s office, will apprehend those who violate conditions imposed on those granted use of the ankle bracelet.

As for who puts a bracelet on an inmate pending release, Kessling said that task is expected to be shared by prison personnel, the sheriff’s office and the adult parole office.

Chief Parole Officer Scott Bailey told commissioners at Thursday’s meeting that he was in touch with VigilNet about the need for related training, expected to last an hour or two.

During Tuesday’s prison board meeting, President Judge Wade A. Kagarise spoke of needing more information about the availability of ankle bracelets and monitoring services before he considers releasing an inmate.

Decisions on which inmates can be released on ankle monitors are expected to rest with the Blair County judges, who also have the authority to impose additional conditions and consider input from others.

During the prison board meeting, Kagarise said he had been reviewing a list of 20 inmates, provided by District Attorney Pete Weeks, who could be considered for release on ankle monitors. But that list is now down to about 12, Kagarise said, because some inmates have resolved their cases or they’ve been released on bail.

Kessling said Thursday that there’s been no consensus on the number of bracelets to initiate this effort, at a cost that initially falls to the county, followed by efforts to recoup the cost through user fees.

“I don’t feel it’s a good use of taxpayer money to obtain 30 bracelets if we only need 15,” Kessling said.

Bailey indicated that VigilNet generally provides ankle monitoring bracelets within a week of receiving a request.

VigilNet will also charge Blair County for monitoring services, but the Mirror was unable on Thursday to obtain the associated cost.

Burke also pointed out that while the county has up-front costs in introducing this option, it also realizes a savings by housing fewer inmates, a cost previously estimated at about $100 a day.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.