A series of recent incidents at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center has prompted renewed scrutiny from several southern Illinois Republican lawmakers.
Last week, legislators raised concerns on social media after six inmates were reportedly exposed to an unknown drug substance inside the facility. Similar exposures at Illinois prisons over the past year have led to multiple temporary lockdowns statewide.
State Senator, Terri Bryant also reported that three correctional staff members were assaulted by an inmate just minutes before she was scheduled to tour the prison last week. All three employees were taken to a hospital for treatment.
The incidents come as the Illinois Department of Corrections implements major changes to its incoming mail system. To combat the rise in chemical-laced paper and other dangerous substances, all personal mail is now scanned in color and delivered digitally to inmate tablets or provided as printed copies. Original letters and envelopes no longer reach inmates unless formally requested. Publications must be mailed directly from publishers, and facility drop-offs are no longer permitted.
IDOC says the updated system is intended to improve safety for staff and inmates. The department has not yet released detailed comments regarding the recent drug exposure or the reported staff assault.