VIENNA – The Illinois Department of Corrections says the Shawnee Correctional Center in Vienna was put on lockdown Wednesday after a couple of hazmat teams responded to the facility.

At this time we don’t know why they were called to the prison, but there have been several recent reports of drug exposure at IDOC facilities.

State Sen. Dale Fowler issued a statement following reports of additional unknown substance exposure incidents at Shawnee Correctional Center and Vienna Correctional Center Wednesday saying “I have been contacted by numerous concerned constituents regarding this latest potential drug exposure incidents at Shawnee Correctional Center and Vienna Correctional Center. This disturbing pattern highlights the urgent need for stronger safety measures to protect our correctional officers, staff, and inmates. It is imperative that the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) acknowledges the increasing threat posed by these incidents and takes swift, decisive action to address the issue. That’s why I am once again calling on IDOC to temporarily suspend the processing of all non-legal mail until proper safeguards are in place. Every day we delay action is another day our correctional workers and inmates face unnecessary risk. Enough is enough.”

Earlier this week, Senator Fowler joined with his fellow Southern Illinois lawmakers to formally request that the Acting Director of IDOC temporarily suspend the processing of all non-legal mail until action is taken to safeguard employees and inmates.

We hope to have more details when they are made available.