RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

3.6.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish standardized procedures for the prevention, detection, control, and disposition of contraband within the Randolph County Detention Center. Effective contraband control is essential to maintaining facility safety, security, order, and the welfare of staff, detainees, and visitors.

3.6.2 Policy

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center to deter, detect, and prevent the introduction, fabrication, possession, and conveyance of contraband within the secure perimeter of the facility.

The Randolph County Detention Center shall maintain strict contraband control procedures through systematic searches, security technology, controlled movement, and staff accountability. All persons entering the facility, including staff, visitors, contractors, and detainees, are subject to search.

Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, denial of access, termination of employment, and/or criminal prosecution.

3.6.3 Definitions

Contraband:
 

Any item, article, or substance that a detainee is prohibited from obtaining or possessing by law, regulation, court order, or facility policy (see § 13A-10-30, Code of Alabama or applicable statute).

Contraband includes, but is not limited to:

• Items not issued or authorized by facility staff

• Excessive quantities of authorized property

• Altered or modified items

• Property belonging to another detainee

• Items possessed or introduced in violation of facility rules

Class A Contraband:
 

Items that are criminal in nature or pose a direct threat to safety or security, including but not limited to:

• Weapons or weapon components

• Escape tools

• Narcotics or controlled substances

• Unauthorized electronic communication devices

• Any item capable of causing serious harm

Class B Contraband:
 

Items not authorized within detainee areas but not inherently dangerous, including:

• Currency

• Unauthorized food or commissary items

• Personal property not issued or approved

3.6.4 Procedures

3.6.4.1 General Contraband Control Measures

Contraband control shall be maintained through:

• Routine inspection of perimeter security (fences, doors, windows, roofs, vents)

• Controlled access points and sally port operations

• Continuous monitoring of detainee movement and activity

• Inspection of all incoming deliveries, equipment, and materials

• Staff vigilance and accountability practices

3.6.4.2 Search Authority

ANY PERSON ENTERING THE SECURE PERIMETER OF THE FACILITY IS SUBJECT TO SEARCH.

• Refusal to submit to a lawful search shall result in denial of entry or removal from the facility

• No person shall have an expectation of privacy within secure areas

3.6.4.3 Search Procedures

Searches may include:

• Pat-down and clothed-body searches

• Inspection of personal property and packages

• Use of walk-through and handheld metal detectors

• Vehicle inspections when applicable

• Mandatory use of weapon lockers for all firearms and ammunition prior to entry

3.6.4.4 Visitor Control and Searches

All visitors shall:

• Be subject to search prior to entering secure areas

• Be restricted from bringing unnecessary personal items into the facility

• Comply with all facility rules and search procedures

Visitors include any person not officially assigned to:

• Randolph County Sheriff’s Office

• Detention Center staff

• Authorized law enforcement

• Court personnel

• Approved contractors or service providers

All visitor searches shall be conducted in accordance with applicable policies governing non-detainee searches.

3.6.4.5 Staff Searches and Administrative Areas

• Staff are subject to search within the secure perimeter

• Searches of staff areas require supervisory or command authorization

• Searches shall be documented and conducted professionally

• Chain of command notification is required

3.6.4.6 Detainee Searches

Detainee searches include:

• Pat-down and clothed-body searches

• Strip searches when justified by policy or reasonable suspicion

Body cavity searches only when:

• • Authorized by the Chief Jail Administrator or designee

• • Conducted by qualified medical personnel

• • Performed in a private setting

Routine searches shall include:

• Housing units, cells, and dayrooms

• Program and work areas

• Recreation and transport holding areas

All searches shall balance security needs with professional conduct and dignity.

3.6.4.7 Dry Cell Procedures

Dry cell placement may be used when there is reasonable suspicion of internally concealed contraband.

Procedures include:

• Restriction of toilet flushing capability

• Continuous or controlled observation

• Supervisory approval and documentation

• Monitoring until contraband is recovered or suspicion is resolved

3.6.4.8 Detection and Interception

Measures include:

• Random and targeted searches following detainee movement

• Inspection of food service, laundry, and supply carts

• Monitoring of visitation and program transitions

• Random housing unit searches

3.6.4.9 Contraband Fabrication Prevention

Staff shall:

• Monitor detainee access to tools and materials

• Restrict items that can be altered into contraband

• Conduct supervisory oversight of work assignments

• Immediately confiscate altered or unauthorized items

3.6.4.10 Staff Accountability

The introduction of contraband by staff is strictly prohibited.

Violations shall result in:

• Immediate administrative investigation

• Notification of command staff

• Possible criminal prosecution

• Disciplinary action up to termination

Under no circumstances shall staff retain confiscated contraband for personal use.

3.6.4.11 Mail and Package Inspection

All mail and packages shall be inspected in accordance with mailroom procedures:

• Screening for drugs, weapons, and prohibited materials

• Controlled access to mail processing areas

• Documentation of suspicious items

• Chain-of-custody procedures for retained contraband

3.6.4.12 Electronic Devices and Recording Equipment

The following items are prohibited within secure areas unless authorized for official use:

• Cellular phones

• Cameras or video recording devices

• Audio recording devices

Unauthorized possession constitutes contraband.

3.6.4.13 Contraband Discovery and Reporting

Upon discovery of contraband, staff shall:

1. Immediately confiscate the item

2. Secure and preserve the item

3. Notify the Shift Supervisor

4. Complete an Incident Report detailing:

4. • Location and circumstances of discovery

4. • Persons involved

4. • Description of contraband

5. Properly mark and submit the item into evidence

3.6.4.14 Administrative Review

The Facility Administrator or designee shall:

• Determine appropriate disciplinary action

• Determine if criminal charges are warranted

• Ensure proper evidence handling and documentation

• Oversee final disposition of contraband

3.6.4.15 Disposition of Contraband

All contraband shall be:

• Logged into evidence or property control systems

• Stored securely with maintained chain of custody

• Disposed of according to policy or retained for prosecution

Contraband used in criminal cases shall only be released with proper authorization.

3.6.4.16 Records and Documentation

The facility shall maintain records of:

• Incident reports

• Evidence logs and chain-of-custody documentation

• Disciplinary actions

• Final disposition records

All records shall comply with retention schedules and applicable standards.