It’s a scene you’d expect to see from Netflix’s hit series Orange is the New Black. Prison guards storm inmate cells simultaneously to conduct a shakedown. Except in this case, it’s not a show. It’s real life and it has happened at several facilities overseen by the Mississippi Department of Corrections over the past couple of months.
The MDOC’s goal? Combat contraband behind bars.
And it’s not just the MDOC. Many prisons and correctional facilities have emphasized confiscating contraband as one of their top priorities.
Where does Contraband come from?
Contraband comes from a variety of sources. It can be introduced into the prison population if not caught during initial processing. Inside the prison, makeshift weapons like shanks can be handmade using pieces of other objects that have been repurposed or stolen.
Corrupt guards and workers who do it in exchange for bribes can also be the source of contraband and may turn a blind eye to any prohibited items they encounter.
Contraband comes from the prisoner’s outside contacts as well. Visitors undergo less strict screening procedures than inmates and because of that, some are able to cleverly smuggle in contraband.
Outside contacts don’t necessarily have to be visitors either. Friends and family have been known to launch objects over fences and onto prison property. Sometimes, these items are hidden inside of other objects to reduce suspicion like tennis balls and footballs which blend in easier at facilities offering recreational activities. More recently, drones have been used to fly into prison yards and drop off contraband. This requires a great deal of practice and creativity to master. Other times, contraband is skillfully concealed in mail, packages, and deliveries coming into the prison.
Different Contraband Presents Different Problems
These are some of the more popular prison contraband:
Tools, Weapons, Shanks, and Shivs: Used to cause harm to themselves, other prisoners, visitors, and staff or as tools of escape
Fishing line: Used for trading between cells
Stamps: Form of currency
Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco: Part of the prison black market
Cell Phones and SIM Cards: Used for conducting illegal activities, harassment, or ordering hits
Preventing the Flow of Contraband
It’s a difficult and ongoing task, but combating contraband is crucial. Vigilance from correctional officers is invaluable. When they care about their job and the safety of colleagues and visitors, they are motivated to do a better job. Something as simple as workplace satisfaction can lessen the amount of corrupt staff.
Comprehensive security training and thorough searches can also help restrict the flow of prohibited items. This means procedures must be established and the right type of detection equipment must be available for prison employees to carry out their duties effectively. Equipping staff with the best can help them be the best – and therefore more diligent in detecting contraband.
What are your thoughts on countering illegal prison contraband? Let us know in the comments section.
The original MDOC Press Release can be found here.
