Corrections Department Catches Contraband

Posted Apr 23, 2008 by Josh Poltilove

Updated Apr 23, 2008 at 02:46 PM

Tribune file photo
Florida’s corrections department compares well with other states’ corrections agencies when it comes to catching contraband, a recently released report states.
The Department of Corrections recovered the following things last fiscal year:
* Roughly 3,500 assorted makeshift weapons
* 222.7 oz. of marijuana
* 9.8 oz. of cocaine
* 1,805 unauthorized and/or unidentified pills
* 140 inmate cell phones
“Contraband enters prisons through a variety of ways,” the Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability report states. “For example, inmate work squads that leave the prisons to pick up litter and garbage on the side of the roads can return with contraband that was concealed in roadside trash by an accomplice. Contraband can also enter prisons through the mail or prison deliveries, and can be brought into prison by employees or visitors.”
Florida has about 93,000 inmates.
Click here for more information on a Contra band.
Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Follow crime throughout the day at Keyword: Crime Blog