Heinrich, Casey Introduce Legislation to Stop Fentanyl from Entering Prisons, Protect Officers from Dangerous Exposure
The Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act will help eliminatefentanyl and other illicit narcotics from entering prisons by mail
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) introduced legislation to protect prison officers, staff, and inmates from fentanyl and other illicit substances entering the Federal Prison System through inmate mail. By directing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to develop a strategy that guarantees all mail is screened for illicit contraband, the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act would reduce the risk of intentional poisoning or lethal exposure from illicit substances in federal prisons and support the 38,000 BOP corrections officers and staff that are dedicated to keeping prisons safe.
“We need to deploy every available tool we can to tackle the opioid epidemic and support law enforcement in cracking down on the deadly flow of fentanyl,” said Heinrich. “By screening all mail at federal prisons, we can protect officers, staff, and inmates from harmful exposure to illicit substances and prevent life-endangering overdoses. I won’t stop fighting until we deliver the resources our law enforcement officers, first responders, medical providers, and New Mexicans on the front lines need to address this deadly epidemic.”
“As we fight back against the fentanyl crisis, we must protect those who face an elevated risk of dangerous exposure. I have long pushed for digital mail screening as an effective way to stop fentanyl from entering our prisons to protect officers, staff, and inmates,”said Casey. “This legislation is a critical step to keep Pennsylvanians safe and I will continue fighting like hell to stop the fentanyl crisis.”
As New Mexico and the nation continue to grapple with the opioid crisis, the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act would protect officers, staff, and inmates by requiring BOP to develop a strategy to intercept and interdict illicit substances, including fentanyl, mailed to federal correctional facilities. After one BOP official lost his life and numerous reports of officers being hospitalized after being exposed to mail saturated in fentanyl and other unknown substances, this legislation would help keep them safe on the job.
Specifically, this bill would enable BOP to acquire and deploy equipment to scan 100 percent of legal and postal mail arriving at federal correctional facilities. This legislation would enhance mail screening and ensure that all incarcerated people receive digital copies of mail addressed to them, while remaining consistent with the law and BOP procedures governing attorney-client privilege. This bill would also guarantee that all contraband-free mail be delivered once it has been screened.
The Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), R Street Institute, National Association of Police Organizations, National District Attorneys Associations, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and Voices of JOE.
Read more about the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act here.
Senator Heinrich is leading comprehensive efforts to tackle the opioid epidemic and protect New Mexico communities from fentanyl, most recently securing more than $1 million for local law enforcement to detect illicit fentanyl, helping to pass the historic FEND Off Fentanyl Act into law, and authoring legislation to require the DEA to establish a nationwide fentanyl tracking system.
Find an extensive list of Heinrich’s actions to tackle the fentanyl crisis here.
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