Explain why it is important for prisons to control contraband and explain why the search for contraband creates conflict between staff and inmates.
Answer:
Correctional facilities need to control contraband to prevent against smuggling of articles that can be used in prison for trading and gambling activities. There is also the issue of housekeeping in which the correctional facilities would remove junks from the units. Another purpose of control of contraband is to reduce crime in prison, such as eliminating weapons.
There could be conflict between the inmates and contrabands because whoever has contraband has more power. Hence, the taking of an individual’s contraband would amount to weakening his or her bargaining power in prison.