Jail 'Break In' to give the public an inside view

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office wants you to go to jail -- for a good cause.

Santa Rosa County Sheriff Wendell Hall, together with the Santa Rosa County Explorer Post, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post, ishosting a fundraising event to celebrate the completion of the new Santa Rosa County Jail expansion project. The event, aptly titled "Jail Break In 2010" will give the public an inside view of what life is like inside the new wing.

The new wing of the jail holds 128 inmates and is a state of the art facility with a price tag of close to $4,000,000.  The wing is expected to start housing inmates in September 2010.

The event will kick off at 6 p.m. Aug. 14, and will end at 7 a.m. Aug. 15.  The event is open to all ages.

Participants will be “booked” into the jail and be searched, fingerprinted, and photographed. They will then be assigned a bed and be instructed as to what will be expected of them during their stay.  This will be a very educational experience as to how things are handled inside a detention facility.  The “inmates” will receive food when they arrive, and again around 5 a.m. August 15.  If the “inmates” aren’t pleased with the food that is provided, they can feel free to use the Explorer Post’s “commissary” to purchase additional items.  All “inmates” will be expected to abide by the rules and regulations that are set forth. All “inmates” will also be required to stay “in custody” until 7 a.m. on Aug. 15 unless an emergency arises prior to their release time.  Upon release, the “inmates” will receive their booking photograph and fingerprints as a souvenir.

Space is limited to the first 128 people who purchase tickets.  Ages 12 and over are welcome; however any juveniles will be required to be with a parent or legal guardian.  At the time of ticket purchase, the purchaser will be required to provide identification information so that the Sheriff’s Office can due a preliminary screening of participants to ensure a safe, secure and educational experience.  Ticket prices are as follows: Adults- $20.00 Children under 18- $10.00 Seniors- $15.00.

Tickets are available now. For more information, please visit the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office website www.santarosasheriff.org or call (850)983-1100 during normal business hours.  Tickets can also be purchased at the main Sheriff’s Office in East Milton.