Pornographic writing, photographs, drawings and other materials will be banned from the Nebraska prisons beginning in January, according to Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes.Ìý
Frakes sent a letter May 11 to inmates informing them that pornographic materials that are allowed now will be considered contraband and no longer permitted in Corrections facilities. Any inmate in possession of the materials, that show or depict nudity of either gender or sexual acts, after Jan. 8 could receive a misconduct report for possessing or receiving unauthorized articles, Frakes said.  Â
What's banned now is any publication or item that advocates or is likely to incite violent or illegal activity, including materials which advocate or depict violent or illegal sexual activity, or any other printed, published, recorded or photographed material that a warden determines is a threat to the safety, security or good order of the facility.
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"Reform requires us to look at the system, how it operates, and determine where positive changes could be implemented to create a safer, more re-entry-focused environment," Frakes said Monday in a statement.Ìý
Some other states have prohibitions or limitations on pornography in prisons. Lawsuits by inmates have been filed in other states, but courts generally have upheld the bans. Â Â
In the letter to inmates, Frakes said the department is committed to creating and maintaining a culture of re-entry into society and rehabilitation.Ìý
"Items and activities that do not promote pro-social behavior and thinking are a barrier to this culture," he said.Ìý
The materials are exploitative and create a hostile work environment for Corrections staff, he said. Mail room staff must review the materials to determine if they are allowable, and others must deliver them.Ìý
There are also inmates who do not want to be exposed to pornography, Frakes said.Ìý
Giving prisoners eight months' notice will ensure they can decide in time on renewals or ordering new publication subscriptions.Ìý
The department defines pornography as depiction of erotic behavior intended to cause sexual excitement. Sexually explicit materials are those that feature nudity or graphic depictions of sexual acts. Nudity is the display of genitalia or exposed buttocks or breasts.Ìý