Middleton Jail under lockdown for 'top-to-bottom' drug sweep

MIDDETON, Mass. – The Middleton Jail is currently in lockdown mode for a “top-to-bottom” sweep and extensive security overhaul as staff members work to revamp the way they fight the evolving culture of drugs and addiction.

That shakedown began Monday morning and could continue through Friday afternoon.

Boston 25 News reporter Drew Karedes was granted exclusive access beyond the security gates at the medium-security county correctional facility.

He sat down with Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger to talk about the transformation underway.

“We’re not fooling around here,” the Essex County Sheriff said.

Inmates are being kept in their cells during the shakedown, aside from being allowed out for showers.

Approximately 1,200 inmates come through the facility daily. Coppinger told Boston 25 News that some of them have expressed positive feedback about efforts to increase safety.

“Most of our inmates have substance abuse problems so when they come to jail they’re coming in here addicted,” Coppinger said. “We have to do a better job at stopping the epidemic.”

An overhaul on procedures includes new ways to screen inmates and new tools to help staff do that, including a chair that uses magnetic sensors to automatically scan the body.

“Let’s just say our inmates and their associates can get very creative,” Coppinger said.

Sophisticated efforts to sneak in drugs and contraband are compromising the safety of not only inmates but also jail staff, according to the sheriff.

Last November, Narcan was administered to a jail corrections officer after he was exposed to a white powder during an inmate overdose.

Tests are still being conducted to determine what that white powder was.

“What’s very concerning why did the correctional officer become a victim here,” Coppinger told Boston 25 News.

For their protection, officers just underwent hazardous material training conducted by an outside company.

The jail is also bringing in protective suits designed to limit exposure to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

Coppinger, who previously served as Lynn Police Chief, said the opioid epidemic continues to bring new challenges and concerns to law enforcement.

He hopes the changes at the jail will better help inmates stay clean and out of trouble.

“This drug epidemic we’re facing faces all walks of life,” he said. “They’re business professionals, law enforcement, they could be managing your 401k at whatever facility you have. It’s scary.”

All visitors who aren’t attorneys or social workers have been banned during the sweep.

In addition to new procedures being implemented, Middleton Jail offers a 28 day detox program. Those who commit low level crimes can be sentenced to the program through drug court.

TOP STORIES:

Cox Media Group