CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen E. Hanks announced that all incoming mail including packages will be held for a short period of time as the prison implements new safety measures. This follows recent reports from correctional facilities in Ohio, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania of staff and individuals in custody becoming sick after coming in contact with unknown substances.
This is strictly a precautionary measure because no such incidents have been reported in the New Hampshire Department of Corrections facilities.
The mail will be collected and held while the Department is distributing additional protective equipment that will increase the safety of those staff who screen the mail. This will also further work to ensure the safety of all department employees and residents in our facilities at risk for exposure to unsafe and unknown substances sent through the mail. Once the new safety measures are implemented, the mail will be distributed.
Department officials are working to quickly resume mail screening and distribution activity as soon as possible.
The mail rooms screen and distribute hundreds of letters and packages on a daily basis.
