DIETERICH - The Illinois Department of Corrections has enacted emergency rules designed to curb contraband entering state prisons after a string of drug-related incidents put correctional officers at risk.
The rule, effective Aug. 14, requires all incoming letters to be electronically scanned, with incarcerated individuals receiving only digital or paper copies. Publications such as books and magazines must now be sent directly from publishers.
State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, pushed for the changes following last year’s reported overdoses and accidental exposures that hospitalized several correctional staff.
“It should not have taken nearly a year for this common-sense policy to be put in place,” Niemerg said in announcing the rule change.
The move follows concerns raised by the union representing prison employees, AFSCME Council 31, which reported rising use of synthetic drugs and dangerous substances, including wasp spray, within correctional facilities. Union members held pickets last year after multiple exposures prompted temporary mailroom shutdowns. IDOC signed a vendor contract to handle scanning shortly after the safety concerns were raised.
The emergency rules remain in effect for up to 150 days. IDOC may move to make the policy permanent following review. Niemerg said he will continue to monitor the situation alongside staff at Lawrenceville and Robinson Correctional Centers, both of which he visited during the height of the crisis.
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