Jails, prisons update policies to limit entry of dangerous drugs

GREEENSBURG, Pa. — An outbreak of synthetic drugs in state and local prisons has different facilities evaluating how they handle incoming mail.

RELATED STORY: New safety, security measures for state prisons after workers sickened

In July, the Westmoreland County Prison implemented a new policy where inmates receive scanned copies of all personal mail, not the original copy. Warden John Walton said, so far, it’s been effective.

Over the last month, dozens of state prison employees have been sickened by an unknown substance coming through the mail. Initial tests identified the substances as synthetic marijuana.

Aaron Martin took a closer look at the steps being taken in Westmoreland County and how they could be used statewide. Watch his full report below.

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