MDOC turns contraband tobacco into community and inmate help
For the first time in 10 years, Mississippi prison inmates who smoke will be able to do so legally on February 1, 2021
Posted: Dec 23, 2020 4:50 PM
Updated: Dec 24, 2020 9:35 AM
Posted By: Matt. St. Jean
Release from MDOC:
JACKSON, MS – For the first time in 10 years, Mississippi prison inmates who smoke will be able to do so legally on February 1, 2021. Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain is turning the negative of smoking into something positive for the state’s 21 prisons and other facilities.
“Inmates who smoke are smoking anyway,” said the Commissioner, “but they’re having to smuggle in tobacco to do it, which is illegal, and it’s even more illegal because state law prohibits smoking in state buildings. That compromises our Corrections officers and staff and puts them at risk to either break the law by allowing the smoking or to put themselves in danger by enforcing the rule. By selling the same ci