LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska has launched a program design to help low-income jail inmates in Lancaster County who can’t afford to make bail.
The organization announced Thursday that it has created a revolving bail fund as part of a six-month pilot project. When inmates who post bail appear for trial, the money will be returned to the fund to assist others.
The ACLU of Nebraska says it received money for the fund from a local downer who was impressed with its work to promote prison and jail reforms.
Executive Director Danielle Conrad says the project was launched this week with help from Lancaster County Jail officials.
Lancaster County Public Defender Joe Nigro says the current bond system punishes the poor, who often can’t afford to post bond.