We post news and comment on federal criminal justice issues, focused primarily on trial and post-conviction matters, legislative initiatives, and sentencing issues.

BOP MAIL SCANNING BILL INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE

Legislation introduced by Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) proposes new procedures for handling mail in order to disrupt the flow of drugs into BOP facilities. It requires the agency to adopt a program to electronically scan all incoming inmate mail, give inmates an electronic copy of their mail within 24 hours of its reception, and deliver the original mail within 30 days if it’s drug-free.

The Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act, H.R, 5266, is based on a 2020 BOP interdiction pilot project that scanned inmate mail and “reduced the number of synthetic drug introductions via general postal mail to effectively zero over the pilot project period,” The Hill reported.

H.R. 5266 is an improvement over the old system, The Hill said, because while the pilot program destroyed the physical mail after scanning, “the proposed bill protects the right of incarcerated people to receive physical mail… Taking away the tactile experience of touching a handwritten letter, or smelling perfume on an envelope would likely have a negative impact on prisoner well-being, which can increase recidivism and antisocial behavior.”

It remains to be seen whether prisoners whose mail delivery is delayed while understaffed facilities scan all incoming letters and documents agree.

HR 5266, Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act

The Hill, A new bill will guard against lethal letters in US prisons (November 19, 2023)

– Thomas L. Root