Contraband control becomes more difficult as inmates find new, innovative ways to exploit the system. Staff members in prisons are required to think one step ahead to prevent any risk of losing their lives. Contraband, defined by The National Institute of Justice, are items illegally smuggled into correctional facilities such as weapons, drugs or anything prohibited in the monitored area including cell phones.
One of the items smuggled most into facilities are cell phones. “In 2008, approximately 2,800 devices were confiscated by California officials alone. During a massive search in a Texas institution, authorities recovered approximately 300 wireless phones, including 18 from death row inmates” (Burke). Cell phones don’t seem like much of a threat but when being used to help smuggle more lethal items or work …show more content…
He suggests that the situation needs to be addressed aggressively through maximal surveillance and intense staff training that will be recompensed for performance. He also encourages the development of substance abuse programs to help inmates in recovering and building a positive attitude towards a desire to change. An effective zero-tolerance policy has already been adapted in Pennsylvania prisons where possession immediately leads to prosecution and inmates are kept under close surveillance. This aggressive approach has already resulted in a positive outcome, severely dropping their numbers in regards to contraband findings during sweeps and severe acts of violence. Though costly, these methods could help control what gets snuck into facilities and assist in making prisons a place for improvement rather than encouraging negative behavior or even enhancing
One of the items smuggled most into facilities are cell phones. “In 2008, approximately 2,800 devices were confiscated by California officials alone. During a massive search in a Texas institution, authorities recovered approximately 300 wireless phones, including 18 from death row inmates” (Burke). Cell phones don’t seem like much of a threat but when being used to help smuggle more lethal items or work …show more content…
He suggests that the situation needs to be addressed aggressively through maximal surveillance and intense staff training that will be recompensed for performance. He also encourages the development of substance abuse programs to help inmates in recovering and building a positive attitude towards a desire to change. An effective zero-tolerance policy has already been adapted in Pennsylvania prisons where possession immediately leads to prosecution and inmates are kept under close surveillance. This aggressive approach has already resulted in a positive outcome, severely dropping their numbers in regards to contraband findings during sweeps and severe acts of violence. Though costly, these methods could help control what gets snuck into facilities and assist in making prisons a place for improvement rather than encouraging negative behavior or even enhancing