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The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) announced Sept. 6 it is taking immediate action to address a rise in dangerous contraband and drugrelated inmate homicides, according to Director of Communications Amanda Hernandez.
Over the last five years, the volume of illegal narcotics entering the system has substantially increased and directly impacts the safety of staff and inmates, the TDCJ reports. This year, TDCJ reported 16 inmate-on-inmate homicides and it is believed that most of the incidents are tied back to illegal drugs. As a result, the agency is implementing an immediate lockdown and comprehensive search of all correctional facilities within TDCJ.
“These incidents have heightened concerns regarding the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the public,” said TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier. “A lockdown is a necessary response to confront the root causes of this crisis, enhance security measures, and ensure the well-being of all individuals within our agency. We are committed to finding the narcotics, but also working with the Office of Inspector General and outside law enforcements to dismantle the networks that our trafficking drugs into our systems.”
To combat this contraband challenge, TDCJ is taking measures to detect and prevent the entry of dangerous contraband into its facilities, including a systemwide lockdown where each facility will limit the movement of inmates and their contact with those outside the prison. Inmates and staff will undergo intensified searches to intercept and confiscate contraband.
Additionally, inmate mail will be sent to the digital mail center, scanned and uploaded to tablets, as the TDCJ reports “a significant increase in paper soaked in K2 or methamphetamines coming into our facilities.”
TDCJ is establishing dedicated tiplines for inmates, staff and families to report any suspicious activities or information related to contraband, as well as increasing K9 and comprehensive searches and other technology. TDJC reported that additional measures may be implemented as necessary “to safeguard the lives and well-being” of all those within its care.
“Due to the fact staff will be concentrating on these search efforts, visitation will be cancelled until further notice. Inmates will still have access to the phone system and tablets,” the agency added.
“The safety of inmates, staff and the public is our highest priority,” said TDCJ Inspector General Cris Love. “Illegal drugs within our facilities will not be tolerated. Individuals found smuggling contraband will be arrested and subject to prosecution.”
Once comprehensive searches are complete, normal operations will resume, TDCJ reported.