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NDCS Director reveals contraband confiscated in searches 

September 11, 2019 (Lincoln, Neb.) -- Today, Director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Scott R. Frakes, released photos of some of the contraband confiscated during recent searches conducted at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. During that time, the facility was placed on lockdown*, all inmate movement was stopped and outside visitation to the penitentiary was halted.

“An abundance of nuisance contraband was discovered and disposed of right away,” said Director Frakes. “The photos are of the items deemed to have more serious impact on the safety, security and good order of the penitentiary.”

Objects included makeshift tattoo machines, a variety of homemade weapons, syringes and lighters. Numerous drugs were also found, including K2, which was discovered inside cigarettes, wrapped in small bundles and loose in baggies.

“One of the most interesting items was a smartphone concealed inside of one of the tablet computers that is authorized for purchase by inmates. The device had been altered in such a way that the phone fit snuggly inside. It serves as a good example of the lengths people will go to in order to hide unauthorized items,” noted Director Frakes.

Director Frakes went on to say that the searches yielded the type of items that he expected.  “Obviously, you never know what might turn up. But, the fact that we were able to find so many different things shows me that this effort was well worth it.”

Operations at the penitentiary returned to normal Monday morning (Sept. 9). The facility had been on modified operations* through the weekend after the lockdown was lifted on Friday.

“We need to be attentive to all the different ways that contraband finds its way into a facility. In the last week, we have had a staff member as well as a visitor arrested on charges related to bringing items into a facility. The consequences are serious for people willing to assume that risk.”

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*Lockdown:  A significant and unusual action taken to restore order and ensure the safety of everyone inside a facility.  All inmates are confined to their cells, and are under direct escort any time they are outside of their cells. 

*Modified operations is defined as, actions taken to more closely control movement of inmates within a facility due to safety and security needs. Can include confinement in cells of a portion of the inmate population, cancellation of program/work activities, and direct escort of certain inmates – as determined by the warden/designee.