Recent news coverage has inflamed concerns over potential exposures to dangerous substances in prisons operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections. Additionally, several Senators have received similar reports from constituents who work in the facilities, regarding prison staff and inmates becoming ill and receiving medical treatment.
A common theme in these reports involves mail sent to inmates that may contain papers soaked with drugs and/or other harmful substances. Following news coverage of an incident at the Menard Correctional Center, IDOC officials confirmed that preliminary testing indicated samples of paper had tested positive for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids.
According to news reports from KFVS, multiple individuals from the Shawnee Correctional Center received medical treatment in recent weeks, and hazmat crews were on scene at the facility on September 20th and 25th.
Senator Fowler says the trend is concerning and he urges the Department of Corrections to work with the legislature to put into place safety protocols to prevent staff and inmates from being exposed to harmful substances.
Senator Fowler came together on September 23 with a delegation of Southern Illinois lawmakers to formally request that IDOC make the temporary changes to mail protocol.
To read the letter requesting the suspension of mail services within IDOC facilities, click here.