JHA continues to be concerned about the shift to mail scanning in IDOC. Without data on how drugs get into prisons and without considering all the ways in which contraband enters facilities, the Proposed Amendments and move to mail scanning are a rush to put an ill-fitting bandage on a wound that’s source is unexamined.
JHA is grateful to Sen. Guzman and Rep. Johnson for their leadership and commitment to passing SB2201, which mandates the collection and public reporting of prison contraband data.
Once implemented, the public will have better access to information related to contraband found in prisons – such as what, where it is found, and who in the facility (person in custody, staff, vendor, etc.) is in possession of or attempting to procure the contraband.
This data will allow for determination of impactful and effective policies and practices that will improve the safety of everyone inside IDOC but not be unnecessarily punitive to people in custody.
Support JHA for Giving Tuesday!
In the words of JHA Community Advocate Anthony Thomas, “Will you please donate today to help us continue our work to improve living conditions in prisons, depopulate our state carceral system, and return our loved ones to us better prepared for success?”
Want to learn what we heard from people inside IDOC when they responded to our “Measuring the Quality of Prison Life” surveys?
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