Oklahoma Prisons to Allow Inmates to Purchase Nicotine Vapes and Pouches
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) is about to launch a program allowing inmates to purchase nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches through prison canteens. Tobacco sales have been banned in Oklahoma prisons for ten years, while cigarettes and cigars will remain prohibited.
New DOC Policy Allows Access to Non-Combustible Nicotine Products
According to KWTV News, inmates will be able to purchase sealed, disposable vapes or nicotine pouches from the DOC in prison canteens. The DOC has also revised its policy to allow guards to use non-combustible nicotine products while on duty.
Reducing Contraband and Inmate Debt
The aim is to reduce the proliferation of contraband in prisons, thereby preventing inmate debt.
According to KWTV, DOC Commissioner Justin Farris stated, “Debt leads to prison violence. We hope to reduce the flow of contraband into prisons in this way, while reducing violence and helping more inmates overcome debt.”
Officials Expect Fewer Violent Incidents
DOC officials also believe that allowing nicotine use will calm inmates and further reduce the number of violent incidents.
Contraband Tobacco Remains a Major Challenge
Last year, Oklahoma prison officials seized over 1,600 pounds of tobacco and arrested 83 people, including 42 visitors and 14 staff members, on charges of smuggling or trafficking contraband, including tobacco, drugs, and weapons.
Oklahoma Becomes First State Prison System to Offer Vapes
Oklahoma was the first state prison system to offer vapes to inmates, although some local and county jails have successfully implemented similar programs.
International Example: UK Prisons Permit Vaping
British prisons have allowed inmates to use vapes since the 2017 riots sparked by a smoking ban in British prisons.
Federal Prison System Maintains Nicotine Ban
The United States federal prison system has a complete ban on all tobacco and nicotine products.
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