More Security Checks for Penal Farm

Memphis, Tn - Repeated instances of visitors trying to pass contraband to inmates have sparked new security policies inside the visitation center at the Shelby County Penal Farm.

"We're looking at all avenues to eliminate contraband from coming into this facility," said Andrew Taber, Division of Corrections Director.

In the latest security breech, Beverly Wilson is accused of sneaking marijuana in by hiding it in a potato chip bag she passed to her inmate son, Michael Wilson, during visiting hours Sunday. The mother and son visit was busted when Wilson didn't appear to be chewing his chips, but trying to swallow something.

"We found marijuana in balloons in the bag," said Taber.

It's the same concept Courtney Siddons is accused of trying a week before Wilson. Only officials say in Siddons case the drugs she tried passing to her cousin, Rodney McGregor, were packaged in balloons inside a candy bag.

"We won't touch them physically unless there's probable cause but we will be checking coats, sweaters and jackets," Taber said.

Other security changes according to Taber include asking visitors to turn their pockets inside out whether they clear the metal detectors or not. Purses or bags are already prohibited. And the changes don't all fall on jail visitors. Taber says inmates are also being effected by standing the chance of loosing a year in visitation privileges if caught with contraband.

"After that, if allowed again, it will not be in the contact area, it will be the non-contact visitation rooms, the ones with the thick glass where they talk on the phones," he said.