Ed’s Note: Barry Evert comments on: “Testimony tells how gang used communication system to extort.”
This article emphasizes the value of intercepted communiqués that we use against inmates. Besides regular mail, inmates have used forms designed to request service at the institution to pass coded messages. Most of you already know this, but it never hurts to go back to the basics when scanning mail.
In most jurisdictions, mail can be read by officers, with the exception of legal correspondence between the inmate and his attorney. We should take the time to perform this mundane task because we never know what we will find.
Here are some flags to look for on outgoing mail, be it institutional or out to the public:
- Make sure the return address is that of the inmate who is sending it out. I make it a point to check the return address as I pick up mail.
- Check the sending address, make sure the receiving party’s name makes sense, or that number associated with gangs is not part of the address.
Sometimes the numbers 13 or 88 can be found on the envelope to signal the receiver that there is a gang message on the letter.- Check the date on the letter inside. Again, look for significant numbers. If numbers don’t make sense, it could be a code key.
- If the letter makes no sense, talk to your investigative branch; they may be able to pull a code out that you missed.
- Hold the letter up to eye-level and shine your flashlight on it. This can reveal “ghost” writing. If the letter has an unusual or heavy perfume smell, this could mean there is “invisible” ink somewhere on the letter.
- A strong smell of vinegar is a sign of heroin. If you smell this, look closely at any drawings, or under the stamp.
- Remove all stickers from incoming mail. They are often used to hide drugs. If a letter has stains on it, test if for drugs.
- Check the opening line. Often there is a clue in the opening line that could let you know the letter is coded.
- When opening the letter, always check the adhesive fold to make sure no drugs are hidden in the area.
- Always wear gloves when handling mail, and follow proper guidelines to protect yourself from exposure to irritants or other harmful contents.
Make sure that your department allows the constant searching of mail that is required to keep the institution safe. Check all outgoing mail, even innocuous looking letters; they are often the culprits. Finding that one letter may save a life or stop an incident. It is not one of our most exciting tasks, but well worth the effort. Be safe, watch your six, and vest up.
Do you have any additional tips? Comment below.