Alabama jail tries e-cigarettes for inmates

PHENIX CITY, Ala. (AP) — Inmates at the Russell County Jail in Phenix City are now able to buy electronic cigarettes. Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor tells WRBL-TV that the electronic cigarettes went on sale Tuesday for $18 each. He said he hopes they will result in calmer, better-behaved inmates in a facility where traditional cigarettes are banned. He also hoping they will cut down on contraband tobacco, which is one of his biggest problems. Inmate Tony Brown said a lot of inmates have tried the e-cigarettes and seem to like them. They are battery powered and deliver nicotine through a smoke-like vapor. The sheriff said there is no expense to the county, and the jail makes $4 to $5 off each e-cigarette sold