TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has announced cancellation of weekend visitation at the following institutions:
- Graceville Work Camp (Graceville)
- Hamilton Correctional Institution, Work Camp and Annex (Jasper)
- Madison Work Camp (Madison)
- Sumter Correctional Institution (Bushnell)
Michelle Glady, FDC Communications Director: “The secure operation of our correctional institutions in support of public safety is our chief priority. We have zero tolerance for inmate misconduct or the introduction of contraband into our secure facilities. We are taking proactive measures to ensure these institutions can continue normal operations and that the safety of staff and inmates can be upheld. We look forward to resuming normal visitation as quickly as possible.”
These cancellations are a direct result of large amounts of contraband intercepted at the above facilities in the past week. These cases are under active investigation, but preliminarily have been linked to “throw overs.” A throw over occurs when an individual from outside the facility attempts to introduce contraband over the secure perimeter fence. Contraband poses a serious threat to the safety and security of correctional institutions. Cell phones, illegal drugs and weapons are among the top items found. These items are often linked to gang activity.
Cancelling visitation allows staff resources to be devoted to institutional searches, further eradicating contraband and ensuring the safety of inmates, staff and the public. Normal visitation is scheduled to resume next week.
