What is Prison Contraband?
Prison contraband are items that can pose a risk to the prison environment or threaten the security of the facility. This can include illegal items that can cause harm (e.g., drugs and weapons) or items that are prohibited within the secure area of the facility (e.g., cell phones). Individuals convicted in the federal system of providing or possessing contraband in prison are sentenced under §2P1.2 of the Guidelines Manual.
Special Edition QuickFacts on Prison Contraband
This Special Edition QuickFacts highlights a recent project undertaken by the Commission's Office of Research and Data. Staff reviewed the court documents for individuals sentenced under §2P1.2 of the Guidelines Manual between fiscal years 2019 and 2023. Staff examined various aspects of the case, including the type of contraband possessed, how the contraband was smuggled into the facility, where and how the contraband was discovered, and the individual who was sentenced for the offense.
Learn more in the QuickFacts handout or by clicking through the interactive graphics below. An in-depth data briefing video (18 minutes) and slideshow are also available.
SOURCE: U.S. Sentencing Commission 2019 through 2023 Prison Contraband Datafiles, USSCPC19-USSCPC23.