East Central Reporter

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has enacted an emergency rule change aimed at reducing the flow of contraband into state prisons. State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) announced that, as of August 14, incoming letters to incarcerated individuals will be electronically scanned, with recipients receiving either a digital or paper copy. Additionally, books and other publications are now only permitted through the prison mailroom if sent directly from publishers.

“I am pleased that my suggestion to scan the mail coming into our prisons has finally been implemented,” stated Rep. Niemerg. “It should not have taken nearly a year for this common-sense policy to be put in place.”

The new policy follows several incidents last fall in which correctional staff were hospitalized due to exposure to substances or overdoses among inmates. The rule was introduced after calls from Republican lawmakers including Niemerg and advocacy by the prison workers’ union.

The Illinois Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 released a report in September stating, “IDOC must act now to stop drug use – including the rapidly increasing use of synthetic drugs and smoking of wasp spray – in its system and keep its employees and incarcerated residents safe.”

Following reports of exposures at correctional centers last year, IDOC temporarily suspended mail processing services within facilities. Safety concerns led union members to protest for greater protections.

Niemerg visited Lawrenceville Correctional and Robinson Correctional Centers last year to speak with staff about daily challenges faced inside these institutions. Within weeks, IDOC signed a contract with a vendor for mail scanning services.

“Emergency rules needed to be implemented to provide for the safety and security of committed persons, staff, and the public,” added Niemerg. “Emergency rules can remain in place for up to 150 days, but if the department should make the rule permanent.”

Niemerg was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 102nd House District in 2023, succeeding Darren Bailey.

Those wishing to share information on this issue are encouraged to contact Rep. Niemerg’s district office at 217-813-6036.