Officials with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department says that they continue to work to keep contraband material out of the jail. Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers says that jail staff are seeing an increase in drugs, mostly Suboxone, coming in through the mail to inmates. Sheriff Matt Myers is defiant and says that he is “dead serious” about keeping drugs out of the jail.

In order to reduce the chances of contraband, Sheriff Myers has released an Administrative Directive, effective immediately, that includes several changes. They include:

– No incoming correspondence with colored paper or colored envelopes, including cards and postcards;

– Only plain white paper and non-security envelopes are approved;

– No crayon, colored pencil or marker;

– No fragrance, stains, or discolorations;

– All stamps will be removed and discarded,

– Envelopes must include full name and address of the sender.

Myers says that inmates have been notified about these changes. He adds that these changes are necessary, noting that jail staff have already intercepted contraband three times this year. Last year, there were 12 interceptions and only two in 2016. “As we research treatment programs for our inmates, we certainly are going to do everything we can to keep drugs from getting into the jail,” said Sheriff Myers. “Our K9’s are more frequently being brought into the jail and we have increased random shakedowns. We are also researching scanner options that will allow us to be able to scan all mail coming into the jail,” adding “we will do whatever it takes to stop trafficking.”

Sheriff Myers also says that authorities will be going after those who are mailing contraband to the jail. He says those attempting to mail or smuggle unlawful items “will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”