If the contraband is illegal in and of itself it will be documented criminally.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not applicable
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

Posession of contraband that is illegal by its own nature is a crime simply by possessing it. The illegality of the item provides the criminal element, so the incident meets the standard for a criminal offense, not just a policy violation. In detention settings, that means staff typically record the event as a criminal matter and involve appropriate authorities, since the act of possessing the item itself constitutes a crime. This holds even without aiming or intent beyond having the illegal item. For example, finding illegal drugs or a prohibited weapon in a cell is treated as a criminal possession offense. Of course, other contraband can still lead to internal discipline or additional charges if other factors apply, but the key point is that possession of something illegal by its nature is documented as a crime.