New bills signed to make detention facilities safer

Delaware has taken another step towards protecting correctional officers and state employees inside of state prisons.

Governor John Carney signed two bills into law on Friday.

The first bill, Bill 122, expands the list of contraband items prohibited from being brought into detention facilities.

That list of items now includes: narcotics, prescription drugs and items used to facilitate escape.

The second bill, Bill 123, holds violent inmates more responsible for their actions.

Representative Steve Smyk said he believes the new bills will make a much needed difference in Delaware prisons. He said, “These laws in combination actually enhance the safety of not just those who are employed there, or those who visit there, but also the inmates themselves.”

Bills 122 and 123 were just two of six bills that were signed by Governor John Carney Friday.

The bills will all be going into effect immediately.