(a) Any person, other than a law enforcement officer, who furnishes information leading to the capture of an escaped inmate from a penal institution under the jurisdiction of the Board of Corrections may receive a reward of up to $200.00 which shall be payable at the time the escaped inmate is returned to the custody of the Board of Corrections. The commissioner of corrections, at his discretion, may pay the reward to any person from funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Corrections.

(b) When more than one person furnishes information which would entitle them to receive the rewards pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, the reward shall be paid to the first person furnishing the information; and, if more than one person furnishes the information at the same time, the reward shall be prorated among all persons furnishing such information.