Media Advisory

CLIFTON – As part of its commitment to operate safe and secure prisons, the Tennessee Department of Correction conducted an intensive search for contraband inside the South Central Correctional Facility in Wayne County on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. The search was conducted by TDOC’s Special Operations Unit and resulted in the confiscation of homemade weapons, cell phones, and tobacco. The facility was placed on lockdown as the team searched several housing units and common areas of the medium security prison.

“The proliferation of contraband inside correctional facilities is a national issue that every local, state, and federal correctional system struggles with and one the TDOC will relentlessly fight,” said Tony Parker, TDOC Assistant Commissioner of Prisons. “We will not tolerate the introduction of contraband and will take action against any person who threatens the safety and security of our prisons.”

Wednesday’s unannounced search was part of an ongoing effort to detect and reduce contraband in prisons. The search revealed 35 homemade weapons, eight cell phones, a small amount of methamphetamine and tobacco. Inmates found to be in possession of contraband are subject to corrective disciplinary measures and could face additional criminal charges.