Dear Senators Casey and Heinrich,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support of S. 5128, the “Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act.”
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, from 2001 to 2018, the sum of victims who died by drug or alcohol intoxication in State prisons rose by more than 600%. In county jails, this number increased by more than 200%. This rapid increase in drug-related deaths in prisons has left law enforcement, particularly correctional officers, overwhelmed.
This legislation is aimed at addressing this issue and limiting the synthetic drug supply chain which contributes to the circulation of illicit substances through our communities and correctional facilities. Upon passage, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) will be directed to evaluate correctional facilities’ capabilities to protect staff and detainees from exposure to synthetic drugs and opioids and implement appropriate protective measures as a result of the findings. Additionally, the BOP will be tasked with incorporating a more comprehensive inbound mail processing system which includes updating mail screening technology and a lengthier screening process.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you for your support on this issue. If I can be of any help or provide additional information in support of this legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President