NCJ Number
174265
Journal
American Jails Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: July/August 1998 Pages: 62-64
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses contraband types, methods of obtaining, and the importance of keeping contraband out of correctional facilities.
Abstract
Contraband is any item that is prohibited in a correctional facility. Seemingly innocuous items can be converted into weapons, for example, broom and mop handles into spears, knives or clubs; broken plexiglass mirrors and pens into knives; and powdered coffee creamers blown through a hollow pen or straw-like device onto a flame, to become a crude flame thrower. Correctional staff and construction workers must account for every piece of equipment they use inside prisons, such as nails, screws, even soda bottles, lest inmates acquire them and turn them into weapons. Major facility searches and shakedowns can help discover and eliminate contraband. Other procedures include: use of portable metal detectors, K-9 patrols during inmate visitations, replacing metal equipment and furniture with plastic, using clear plastic trash liners rather than black or opaque ones, and requiring all inmates to wear bright orange sneakers issued by the facility rather then their own shoes, boots and sneakers, which are potential hiding places for weapons.