WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senator Jim Justice introduced the Bureau of Prisons Security Check and Action against Narcotics in Mail Act also known as the BOP SCAN Mail Act. This legislation would require the Bureau of Prisons to develop and implement a digital scanning strategy to prevent the smuggling of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs into Federal correctional facilities by mail:
Read the legislation by clicking HERE.
Here’s what they are saying:
“On behalf of AFGE Local 4070, I write to express our deepest appreciation for your introduction of theBOP SCAN Mail Act in the Senate. Your initiative addresses a life-threatening crisis facing our nation’s correctional officers, and we stand firmly behind this crucial legislation. The situation at our federal prisons has reached a critical point. At Thomson Federal Prison in Illinois, we recently witnessed yet another staff member rushed to emergency care after exposure to contraband substances in the mail, requiring immediate Narcan intervention. This marks the eighth serious exposure incident in just six months. Each case represents not just a statistic, but a dedicated public servant – someone’s parent, spouse, or child – who faced a life-threatening situation while simply performing their duties. Our officers cannot defend against modern threats using outdated tools and protocols. Your leadership on this issue offers hope to thousands of corrections professionals who risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe.” – Jon Zumkehr, President of American Federation of Government Employees Council of Prison Locals #33, AFL-CIO Local 4070
“Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC) is deeply committed to reducing the flow of fentanyl and other illegal narcotics throughout the United States. As former law enforcement, we know firsthand how high the stakes are, and we believe this legislation will save lives and create a safer environment in correctional facilities across the country. PODC stands ready to support the BOP SCAN Mail Act in whatever ways we can ensure its swift passage.” – Bert Eyler, President of Police Officers’ Defense Coalition
“On behalf of the Council of Prison Locals #33, the exclusive representative of more than 30,000 bargaining unit employees working in 122 Bureau of Prisons facilities nationwide, I am writing to express our support for the Bureau of Prisons Security Check and Action against Narcotics in Mail Act, also known as the BOP SCAN Mail Act. This legislation addresses a growing and deeply concerning threat facing our federal correctional institutions—the trafficking of synthetic drugs, especially fentanyl, through inmate mail. The BOP SCAN Mail Act is a smart, measured, and much-needed step forward in confronting a crisis that continues to evolve. We urge Congress to move swiftly to pass this legislation and to prioritize its implementation. Our members, and the communities we serve, are counting on your leadership to ensure that no correctional officer ever has to fear for their life simply by doing their job. We thank you for your continued support of the men and women who serve inside America’s federal prisons.” – Brandy Moore White, National President of National Council of Prison Locals 33
“Fentanyl exposure poses a deadly risk for correctional officers and staff, and the heartbreaking loss of Marc Fischer underscores the urgent need for action. The BOP SCAN Mail Act is a critical step in preventing future tragedies by ensuring that federal prisons implement digital mail screening and additional safety protocols to promote a safer environment for both staff and inmates. Thank you, Senator Justice, for your leadership on this life-saving legislation which will not only safeguard those within our prisons but also contribute to the broader fight against the drug trafficking crisis affecting America’s communities.” – Brian R. Marvel, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC).
“This bill will help ensure the health and safety of both inmates and correctional staff by combating the growing threat of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs entering our federal prisons. By having the Bureau of Prisons invest in a strategy and technology to intercept illicit drugs in the mail, this legislation will curb the proliferation of fentanyl in our correctional facilities.” – Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of National District Attorneys Association
“The smuggling of drugs and illicit contraband into federal prisons through inmate mail is on the rise. Exacerbating the situation, the BOP is understaffed, and under-resourced, and correctional officers are being reassigned from other critical functions to assist in processing inmate mail. The BOP SCAN Mail Actis an important step towards eliminating dangerous contraband arriving through the mail at federal prisons, relieving stress on an overworked workforce, and protecting the health and welfare of BOP personnel and inmates. The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) stands with Senator Justice in support for this important bill and thanks him for his leadership.” – Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations
“Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug Abuse (MAPDA) is pleased to offer our support for theBOP SCAN Mail Act, to modernize mail scanning at the Bureau of Prisons to protect inmates and prison employees. We agree that providing federal resources to defend against the smuggling of deadly synthetics through the mail service will better protect our prison staff so they can help fight the growing toll of this drug crisis. We applaud your leadership on this crucial issue.” – The Honorable Mary Bono, CEO of Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug Abuse
“Our corrections officers have been requesting these drug interdiction technologies to protect themselves and those in their care. The Fraternal Order of Police believes that this act will significantly improve safety conditions for both staff and inmates in federal and state correctional facilities. By supporting this legislation, the organization reaffirms its commitment to the wellbeing of corrections officers and overall security of the prison system. The IL Fraternal Order of Police urges all members of Congress to support this vital legislation and take decisive action to combat the synthetic drug crisis in our nation’s prisons.” – Scot Ward, President IL Fraternal Order of Police Corrections Lodge 263 and 2nd VP IL Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge.
The BOP SCAN Mail Act is endorsed by the national board of the American Federation of Government Employees Council of Prisons Locals 33 (AFGE CPL-33), AFGE CPL-33 Locals 306, 307, 3003, and 4070, the National Association of Police Organizations, National District Attorneys Association, National Fraternal Order of Police, Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug Abuse, Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, and Treatment Communities of America.