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Contraband: Toothbrush shank

A Corrections1 member in Wis. submitted this photo and wrote, “It was brought to my attention by a Sgt that inmates are able to make a quick and efficient weapon by taking a Colgate toothbrush and sharpening the end with a pencil sharpener.

I took a toothbrush and a pencil sharpener and made this weapon in about two minutes. Obviously if I gave myself more time it could be made sharper but if an inmate feels it is needed then it could be made quickly. Also this weapon has no metal and could be taken to meals, rec, school without fear of the metal detector going off. “

They continued, “It is vital we conduct our random pat searches very thorough to ensure we are making sure as little contraband is being moved around the institution. When we are completing our cell searches we need to make sure we are focused on anything and everything in the cell. Sometimes, something as little and inauspicious as a toothbrush in a tote bag could be the hidden weapon we’re looking for.”

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These images and videos of illegal inmate contraband have come directly from Corrections1 members, readers and expert contributors. As officers in the field, Corrections1 members have the greatest insight into the contraband and illegal tactics used by inmates to subvert the security of our nation’s vital corrections institutions. By submitting these images and videos of paraphernalia, Corrections1 members share potentially life-saving information with their brothers and sisters.

See links to more photos like this at our Corrections Contraband page. If you have a contraband photo or video you would like to add to our database, please email us at editor@correctionsone.com.