What is typically included in the definition of contraband within correctional facilities?

Contraband within correctional facilities refers to items that are not permitted according to facility rules and regulations, often because they pose a threat to safety and security. Drugs and weapons are prime examples of contraband as they can be used to harm individuals, facilitate escape, or disrupt the order of the facility.

Drugs can lead to issues related to addiction, violence, or disturbances among inmates, while weapons can inflict severe harm or allow inmates to exert control over others. Therefore, the inclusion of drugs and weapons in the definition of contraband directly correlates with the goals of maintaining security and safety in correctional environments.

In contrast, legal documents and approved inmate items do not fall under this category since they are allowed and regulated within the facility. Communication devices are sometimes restricted as well, but they don't always fit the classic definition of contraband unless they fall outside of approved use or protocols set by the correctional facility. Thus, the focus on drugs and weapons encompasses the serious concerns related to safety within prisons and jails.