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The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced Wednesday that facilities statewide will be locked down shortly after 9 a.m.
In an email from TDCJ Volunteer Services, officials said the lockdown is in response to a recent increase in inmate violence that appears to be directly related to the introduction and use of illegal narcotics.
The department said it is implementing a systemwide lockdown to conduct comprehensive contraband searches at correctional facilities in Texas.
SYSTEMWIDE LOCKDOWN
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TDCJ Volunteer Services said 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.
Digital Mail
TDCJ is completing the rollout of the digital mail program. Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in paper soaked in K2 or methamphetamines coming into our facilities. The digital mail program will halt this contraband being sent through traditional mail.
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Effective Sept. 6, 2023, all inmate mail should be addressed and sent to the Digital Mail Center. All mail received this week will be delivered to the digital mail processing center. More information about this program can be found here: TDCJ News - TDCJ Digital Mail Rollout.
Increased K9 Searches and Other Technology
To assist in contraband detection and outside funding related to contraband, TDCJ will be deploying additional resources. Specialized search teams and narcotic dogs will be deployed to units and staff will be subject to enhanced search procedures.
Comprehensive Searches
All persons entering our facilities at all locations will undergo comprehensive searches.
Additional measures may be implemented as necessary to safeguard the lives and well-being of all those within its care.
According to TDCJ, as facilities are cleared, they will return to normal operations.
Volunteers should contact a unit chaplain prior to returning to the facility, TDCJ said.
