Florida BRT Corrections - Officer Safety Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered hazardous contraband in correctional facilities?

1. Fruits and vegetables

2. Books and magazines

3. Homemade knives (shanks)

4. Board games

The correct answer is: Homemade knives (shanks)

Homemade knives, commonly referred to as shanks, are considered hazardous contraband in correctional facilities due to their potential use as weapons. In the confined environment of a prison or jail, even seemingly simple items can be dangerous when fashioned into weapons, posing a significant threat to both staff and inmates. Shanks can inflict serious harm, making their presence in a correctional setting particularly concerning. In contrast, fruits and vegetables, books and magazines, and board games are generally permitted within correctional facilities as they do not inherently pose a safety risk. These items are often used to provide nourishment, education, and recreational activities, helping to maintain some level of normalcy and mental health among the incarcerated population. However, items that can be weaponized, like homemade knives, fall squarely into the category of contraband because of their immediate potential for violence within the facility.