Across the country, correctional officers are facing a growing and deadly threat—exposure to fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics entering prisons through inmate mail. These exposures are not theoretical. They are happening in real time, putting the lives of correctional officers, staff, and inmates at serious risk.

That is why Police Officers’ Defense Coalition strongly supports the Marc Fischer Memorial Act / BOP SCAN Mail Act (H.R. 1046 / S.1295), critical legislation designed to keep deadly substances out of our correctional facilities. Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs in the United States today: even trace amounts can be lethal, and exposure can occur through inhalation or skin contact. Correctional officers are increasingly encountering fentanyl not just during searches or arrests—but through routine mail handling. Criminal networks have adapted, using inmate correspondence as a delivery system for fentanyl-laced paper, synthetic narcotics, and drug-soaked letters and documents.  This creates a hidden and unpredictable threat for correctional staff simply doing their jobs.

This legislation is named in honor of Marc Fischer, a federal correctional officer whose legacy represents the courage and sacrifice of those working behind prison walls. Correctional officers often operate out of the public spotlight, yet they face some of the most dangerous conditions in law enforcement. This bill recognizes their service—and the urgent need to better protect them.

The Marc Fischer Memorial Act / BOP SCAN Mail Act provides a practical and proven solution: screen inmate mail offsite before it enters correctional facilities. Under this legislation mail is processed and digitized at secure facilities, physical mail containing potential narcotics is intercepted, and only safe, scanned copies are delivered inside prisons.  This approach significantly reduces the risk of exposure while maintaining communication between inmates and the outside world.

The bill has been introduced with strong bipartisan leadership in the House by Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-2), and in the Senate by Sen. James Justice (R-WV).  Their bipartisan leadership reflects a growing recognition in Congress that protecting correctional officers is not a party line dictated issue—it is a matter of safety and common sense. The House bill currently has 132 co-sponsors and the Senate legislation has 9 co-sponsors, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). 

No correctional officer should risk their life simply by opening a piece of mail. Congress has the opportunity—and the responsibility—to act. If you support law enforcement and the men and women working in our correctional facilities, now is the time to speak up. Contact your Representative and Senators and urge them to pass the Marc Fischer Memorial Act / BOP SCAN Mail Act (H.R. 1046 / S.1295). Tell them to Protect correctional officers from fentanyl exposure, top deadly drugs from entering our prisons, and support those who work on the front lines of institutional safety

Police Officers’ Defense Coalition stands with correctional officers, and we are asking all pro-police citizens to stand with us and demand action. Congress must pass the Marc Fischer Memorial Act!