By C1 Staff
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Three new prison laws are going into effect in Maryland soon in the hopes of discouraging the smuggling of contraband into facilities.
The Herald-Mail Media reports that smuggling of a cell phone into a prison is now punishable by a maximum penalty of $3,000 and give years in prison. It’s a step up from the former three years and $1,000 fine.
Another law would allow authorities to suspend a corrections officer without pay if the officer is charged with bringing in contraband, such as a cell phone, alcohol or illegal drugs.
A third law will enable the use of lie detectors for those applying to be corrections officers.
The new laws are a result of Governor Martin O’Malley’s appointment of a commission to suggest changes in laws in the aftermath of a scandal at the Baltimore Detention Center.
Corrections officer union representatives say that COs worry that the laws will erode due-process rights of officers.
Senator Christpher B. Shank said the bills send a message to dirty officers and inmates smuggling contraband, that it will not be tolerated.
“It will provide a deterrent and meaningful punishment,” he said.