The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has announced the suspension of visitation at state prisons until further notice. The decision comes as prison staff focuses on addressing the rising issue of alleged contraband within the facilities. In a statement, the TDCJ stated that visitation would be canceled to allow staff to concentrate on comprehensive search efforts. Inmates will still have access to the phone system and tablets during this period.
The TDCJ highlighted a substantial increase in the volume of narcotics entering the prison system over the past five years. Additionally, the rate of homicides within Texas prisons has risen this year. However, specific figures were not provided in the statement. According to KFDM, at least 16 inmate-on-inmate homicides have been reported so far this year.
Once the comprehensive searches are completed, normal operations and visitation will resume.
