Michigan prisons are adopting new technology to prevent contraband, including drug-laced mail, from entering facilities. Starting in January, all 26 state prisons will implement TextBehind, a system requiring mail senders to register and verify their identities.
Chris Reilly from TextBehind explains that there are three primary ways contraband enters prisons: through corrupt guards, visitors, and mail. In some cases, drugs like fentanyl or synthetic marijuana are soaked into fake legal documents, posing serious risks to staff and inmates.
Jenni Riehle with the Michigan Department of Corrections says verifying legal mail is especially challenging, as staff must contact senders directly to confirm authenticity, which can delay delivery.
The new system uses QR codes to streamline the process. Verified mail will proceed as usual, while unverified mail will be returned to senders. MDOC hasn’t announced when the system will be fully operational.
