What are the two types of contraband?

• A. Criminal, Administrative (correct)
• B. Physical, Digital
• C. Legal, Illegal
• D. Internal, External

Answer: (A)

Contraband in detention and security settings is categorized into two kinds: items that are illegal to possess, and items that are legal but prohibited by facility policy. The first type, criminal contraband, includes drugs, weapons, stolen goods, or anything that violates law or could facilitate crime. The second type, administrative contraband, covers items that aren’t illegal in general but are banned inside the facility for safety or security reasons—think cell phones, unauthorized electronics, cash, outside food, lighters, or unapproved tools. This distinction matters because criminal contraband typically triggers law enforcement involvement and possible charges, while administrative contraband leads to internal discipline, seizure of the item, and access restrictions. Remember, an item can be perfectly legal in everyday life yet still be administrative contraband inside a facility.