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| Stringent search procedures introduced @ TDCJ |
| By TDCJ |
| Published: 02/26/2009 |
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Stringent search procedures introduced to combat smuggling of contraband To further combat the smuggling of contraband to offenders, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in October introduced stringent security procedures that affect everyone, including employees, entering a correctional facility. Correctional Institutions Division Director Nathaniel Quarterman said that the new search and contraband procedures include authorized vehicle inspections and pat down searches of everyone entering a unit based upon the reasonable suspicion that contraband has previously been introduced into units. Also, everyone entering a unit is now searched by way of metal detection devices and pat searches conducted by an officer of the same gender. Implementation of the new procedures followed the discovery of a cell phone being used by offenders on death row and the suspicion that the phone may have been smuggled in by a person in exchange for money. A subsequent systemwide shakedown led to the confiscation of cell phones on 22 facilities. A total of 132 cell phones, as well as various other types of contraband, was found during the systemwide lockdown. “In any profession there will always be some individuals who fail to adhere to the high standards set by the overwhelming majority of their co-workers,” TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston said in a message to employees. “The misguided few who violate agency policy and state law by bringing contraband into our correctional institutions will be removed from our ranks. But please know that these few in no way diminish the hard work, dedication, public service, integrity and sacrifice of the men and women who serve the citizens of this state by working honorably for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.” TDCJ and contract employees working outside a unit’s perimeter are subject to random searches for contraband, according to the new procedures. Authorized government-issued cell phones can be carried into a unit but must by logged in and out. Parole commissioners and law enforcement officers are allowed to carry a professional briefcase inside a unit where it is to be searched thoroughly. Attorneys and designated representatives are prohibited from bringing in portable telephones, wireless communication devices and other electronic equipment not noted in unit rules and regulations. They may bring briefcases, attaché cases, computer laptops and personal digital devices to an offender visit provided they are not used to communicate with a third party. Other measures ban canned drinks from being brought into a unit. Snacks and food items are allowed but must be placed in clear plastic bags that can be easily inspected. A sandwich, for example, must be able to be inspected by having employees display its content layers. Procedures also limit the amount of money that employees may bring into a unit to $20 in most cases. Wallets are allowed if they can be searched and scanned. “Some of the new procedures may be further refined based on our experience with implementation,” Executive Director Livingston said. “However, I want to assure you that all of these measures are intended to provide a safer and more secure environment for the men and women who work in our institutions as well as the incarcerated population. These measures will also enhance public safety by removing contraband such as cell phones through which offenders avoid the restrictions and safeguards associated with offender access to agency-provided telephones.” Read more. If link has expired, check the website of the article's original news source. |
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