TDOC Announces Joint Operation Targeting Contraband

NASHVILLE -  The Tennessee Department of Correction, along with other criminal justice partners including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Department of Safety, the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, and the U.S. Attorney's Office, today announced a joint operation targeting the introduction of contraband to correctional facilities.

This past weekend, a task force made up of nine law enforcement agencies including TDOC, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, TBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Metro Nashville Police, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched the first of these efforts with a series of unannounced searches at facilities across the state.  Nearly 300 vehicle searches were conducted, leading to the recovery of cell phones and drug paraphernalia.  Future joint efforts are planned and include intelligence-driven operations both in correctional facilities and in the community, an increased push to prosecute those found attempting to introduce contraband, and legislative and technological efforts.

"Contraband is a national problem and it impacts not only our facilities, but also the community.  This enhanced communication between agencies and increased focus on contraband takes our efforts to the next level and speaks to our mission of enhancing public safety," says TDOC Commissioner Tony Parker.  "We're sending a strong message that contraband won't be tolerated and if you attempt to introduce it, we'll have a cell waiting for you."

Anyone with information about contraband is urged to call the Department's 24-hour tip line at 1-844-TDC-FIND (1-844-832-3463).