Pros And Cons Of Contraband In Prison

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If you’re not a Criminal Minds, Law & Order, or CSI fan, the word contraband might remind you of a cheesy Mark Wahlberg movie. But depending on the way the word is used it can have many meanings. Using contraband as a form of evidence according to California Criminal Evidence Guide can be described as, “items that are illegal to possess, prohibited by statute” (Hill 59). Also, contraband is a word frequently used in correctional facilities, “any item that inmates are not allowed to possess, including items that can be used to escape, are dangerous, can undermine prison physical security or are nuisance items” (Seiter 395). We will look at contraband being an issue nationwide in correctional facilities, punishments of bring contraband into prison, …show more content…

And it is a valid question, you are already in prison, don’t you want to get out not get more time added to your sentence. There are many reasons why inmates decide it’s worth the risk. One is many prisoners are serving life sentences without parole. To be more persist 49,000 inmates according to an article are in prison for life. So to have someone bring in Tabaco, or a cell phone would be for their enjoyment and a since of “having nothing to lose”. Also, some find it a way of life. It becomes a life style to trust no one and to sleep with one eye open. Contraband is worth getting caught for those people instead of risking their life. Others, with easy outside connections get contraband for a trade of money or other goods from inmates. Then, you have the people who go crazy without outside connection, you only get minimal contact with your loved ones so the use of a cell a phone for enjoyment. Lastly, contraband such as pornography is smuggled in also for the lack of physical affection. All these reason are relatable but if we are to be realistic most people don’t use contraband for good. Prison is a system and is a reminder for inmates that it’s like being grounded the outside world is so close yet so far. The use of contraband will always be a problem but how are prison starting to limit that amount of contraband found in …show more content…

With all the contraband being brought in how is the criminal justice system taking measures to limit inmates having contraband. First, when entering a prison everyone must go through a metal detector. That is the first line of defense to stop contraband. Next, tools are classified by their risk to prison security. Class A tool are any tools that can be used as a weapon to other inmates or guards. They are also tools that can be used to escape. “Class A tools are only to be used under the direct supervision of staff and must be placed in a secure storage unit” (Seiter 395). Items that are classified under this category include knives, saw blades, and ladders. Next, there are class b tools that are less of a risky. “They may be stored and used by inmates under less stringent conditions, but still be controlled and accounted for” (Seiter 395). They include items such as light pliers and short power cords. Aside from that all mail and packages are ran through security and checked my correctional members. When visitors come they go through a metal detector to insure no contraband is being brought in. After the visit inmates at searched. And the visitor room is checked before the next set of inmates arrive. The last line of defense is the search through inmate’s cells. As you can tell many measures are being taken to reduce contraband in prisons. The next time you find yourself watching Orange is the New Black, or Beyond

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