BANGOR — Correctional officers at the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office recently intercepted over 80 grams of illicit substances during two separate jail admissions, highlighting ongoing challenges in keeping dangerous drugs out of the facility.
The seizures come as the county jail faces multiple challenges beyond its basic function of detaining individuals and ensuring their court appearances.
Officials note that providing inmates with access to treatment programs and educational opportunities during incarceration is crucial for rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
The facility supports Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as one recovery pathway, though not all inmates take advantage of this opportunity.
Authorities emphasize that individuals who have detoxified and maintained sobriety face high overdose risks if they consume drugs during this period.
With more than 4,000 admissions annually and a physical environment described as “not ideal” for balancing programming and security needs, the jail faces significant operational challenges.
