Thaindian News

PHOENIX (BNO NEWS) — Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who calls himself ‘America’s Thoughest Sheriff’, has an idea to make inmates lose weight: make them pedal to watch television.

Arpaio says a recent visit to the Tent City Jail inspired him for his new idea, which he calls “Pedal Vision.” It was initially announced last week, on April 1, and was believed to be an April Fools joke. But, it’s not.

Half of the inmate population in the Tent City Jail is overweight and Arpaio decided they need more exercise. But since they cannot be forced to do so, his office said, he worked out a plan that incorporates a trade off.

If inmates want access to their favorite pastime, which is television, they will have to pedal for that privilege. “Arpaio had his staff customize a stationary bike that, when pedaled generates 12 volts, enough electrical current to power the 19 inch tube television inside the Tent City television viewing area,” a statement read.

Arpaio said cheating or slacking off on the job will not be tolerated. “If an inmate slows down and fails to pedal fast enough, an audible noise sounds off to warn inmates that the TV is shutting down,” he said. “Peer pressure will have them pedaling, at least right up to the commercial breaks.”

Arpaio says only those inmates who have agreed to pedal will have access to the inmate-powered television, which currently only applies to female inmates.

“I started with the females because they seemed more receptive to the idea,” Arpaio said. “The only exercise the females get right now is speed walking around the tents yard and few are doing that This gives them a reason to get moving and a way to burn up to 500 calories an hour. They won’t be charged a monthly gym fee but they will have to sign a contract.”