A fourth Illinois law maker is co-sponsoring the bill to impose mail scanning

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KBSI) – A proposed Illinois law that would require mail scanning in Illinois correction centers was co-sponsored by a fourth law maker.

With concerns about workers being exposed to drugs in IDOC facilities and the issue of whether or not mail scanning will resolve the problem — law makers are facing the unknown as they try to find a solution.

Illinois correction center workers have been reporting experiencing drug overdose symptoms in the facilities.

Illinois state representative David Freiss, who submitted the law to impose mail scanning for inmates, said drugs are entering facilities through the mail on papers soaked with chemicals the inmate can then smoke or ingest.

“There’s theories as to what is actually on the paper, but it’s not detectable by dogs. So we’re really not sure what to do,” Friess said. “We’re asking for an investigation to be done.”

With IDOC workers not speaking out – fearing retaliation if they do – and IDOC officials declining interviews, we want to be clear about the information we do not have at this time.

IDOC has not confirmed the number of reports of workers experiencing overdose symptoms. We have not received confirmation on the number of hospitalizations or the diagnoses of workers who were hospitalized. IDOC has not released information about the drugs or possible chemicals allegedly making it into the facilities.

Friess believes mail scanning will resolve or reduce the issue. Others oppose scanning inmates’ mail saying there isn’t evidence to support it as a solution.

In fact, at least 48 organizations and 32 lawmakers have taken a stance against it.

Restore Justice policy manager James Swansey said receiving pictures and letters from loved ones aids in the rehabilitation process.

“It gives you an incentive to want to do the right thing,” Swansey said, “to get back out there, to do what it is that you didn’t do correct the first time, because the punishment is going to prison, right? You lose everything already in going to prison — in making that mistake.”

IDOC public information officer Naomi Puzzello declined an interview, but wrote, “We have intensified mail screening protocols and encouraged the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). These efforts are focused on improving safety while ensuring individuals in custody maintain essential communications and family connections.”

You can read the full statement below.

The Illinois Department of Corrections’ top priority remains the safety of our staff, individuals in our custody, and everyone entering our facilities. While we are actively exploring additional options to enhance safety, measures are in place to address potential risks associated with mail handling in our facilities. IDOC has a Suspicious Substance Emergency Procedure in place, which outlines the steps to be taken if a suspicious substance is discovered. Additionally, we have intensified mail screening protocols and encouraged the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). These efforts are focused on improving safety while ensuring individuals in custody maintain essential communications and family connections. We remain committed to working with stakeholders to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.