Prisons See Drop In Contraband After Visitation Policy Change

TOWSON, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services has seen a decrease in drug contraband found during inmate visitation periods after the implementation of a policy limiting kissing and touching.

The Capital reports that since the policy was implemented in November, the department found 16 contraband items in December and 22 in January. In comparison, the department found a total of 97 in November, 325 in October and 42 in September.

The policy was implemented at all 24 state correctional facilities on Nov. 30. It banned touching at the beginning of a visit, kissing on the mouth and taking pictures. Hugging or kissing on the cheek is only allowed at the end of a visit.

DPSCS spokesman Gerard Shields says the numbers indicate that the policy is helping.

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