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New Rules Target Prison Contraband - John Dunn

1,683 views · Published 4 April 2012 · 1:51 · Indexed 23 September 2026

Channel: FOX NASHVILLE · 2012 · News & Politics

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It is home to Tennessee's death row and hundreds of maximum security inmates.     FOX 17 News is taking you inside Riverbend prison.     Inmates are adapting to new rules to make the prison safer.It's inspection day at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.Inmates are on their best behavior.Department of  Correction Commissioner Derrick Schofield is on the compound.      After 15 months on the job, Schofield has made an impressionInmates cells are neat and orderly. New rules limit the amount of personal possessions inmates can have. Cleanliness is a priority."It's not just about appearance.  It's about making sure we create an environment that is safer four our staff, and for the offenders that live here," says Commissioner Schofield.It's now easier for correction officers to spot contraband, which has long plagued state prisons.     Arnold Black says the changes required an adjustment, but he understand the need."We have to learn how to do things that will help benefit us out in society," says inmate Arnold Black.Each facility will also begin using a new device called a B.O.S.S chair."The chair will detect the cell phone and go off," says Riverbend warden Roland Colson.It's designed to identify metal objects that might be concealed on an inmate's body.While eliminating contraband is especially important, taking personal responsibility also translates to life on the outside.Inmates are going to classes, and work programs help reduce recidivism.     Other changes are more structured.    Inmates now walk across the compound in single file lines with their hands outside their pockets."I mean it has been kind of a change for us because we kind of felt like we were being punished for no reason, but it's like we're living in somebody else's house, and we've got to follow their rules," says inmate Norman Bowen.Commissioner Schofield says there's a reason behind his inspections and the rules.They're designed around his goal of safe and secure prisons.Commissioner Schofield is a regular visitor to the state's prisons.     He completes a formal inspection of all 14 state facilities four times each year.For news updates follow John Dunn on twitter @WZTVJohnDunn

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