Blackford County Sheriff Proposes Workforce Tablets for Jail Inmates

From the Blackford County Council meeting on May 6, 2026

Sheriff Heflin presented a proposal to the Blackford County Council on May 6 for workforce development tablets for jail inmates. The program would offer GED preparation, college credits, CDL certification prep, HVAC certification training, and mental health and substance abuse resources.

Heflin surveyed current inmates and found that roughly 40 of 70 responded, with 10 lacking a GED. The program would partner with local companies to offer apprenticeships to inmates upon release.

Heflin proposed funding the program with opioid settlement money, noting that the Indiana Attorney General has asked counties to account for how those funds are being used. The program would come at no cost to inmates but would require county spending. Heflin left printed materials from the vendor for council review.

A full presentation with a vendor representative is planned for the June 3 council meeting.

If approved, the program would aim to reduce repeat offenses by giving inmates job skills and certifications before release.

Source: YouTube transcript — County Council meeting, May 6, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.