How to Control Contraband in Prison Architect

Managing contraband is one of the most important aspects of running a successful prison in Prison Architect. Without proper control, contraband like tools and weapons can accumulate, leading to riots, escape attempts, and general chaos. This guide will walk you through the most effective strategies to minimize contraband in your facility.

Understanding Contraband Supply and Demand

The first step in controlling contraband is understanding the current situation in your prison. Navigate to the bottom left of the screen and click on Intelligence. From there, select Dangers.

On the left side of this panel, you’ll see the supply and demand metrics for contraband in your prison. This data shows you exactly how much illegal material is currently in circulation. In a well-managed facility, you should aim for minimal supply levels.

Using Shakedowns to Reduce Contraband

One of the most direct methods for controlling contraband is performing regular shakedowns. The shakedown button allows you to search inmates and their cells for illegal items like tools and weapons. To effectively reduce contraband, spam the shakedown button across all sectors of your prison. This aggressive approach will quickly recover stolen tools and confiscated weapons.

Alternatively, you can use the tunnel search feature if you suspect inmates are hiding contraband in escape tunnels. Both methods are equally effective at removing illegal materials from your prison.

Hiring Canine Units

Canine units are an excellent addition to your security team and significantly help reduce contraband in your facility. To hire dog handlers and their canines, navigate to the Staff menu and click on Dog Handler.

Once selected, click anywhere on your prison map to place a dog handler and canine unit. These animals are trained to sniff out contraband, making them invaluable for early detection and prevention of illegal materials spreading throughout your prison.

Installing Metal Detectors

Metal detectors are a proactive security measure that prevents contraband from being transported into high-risk areas. Install metal detectors in front of critical locations such as:

Kitchens

Workshops

Any area where tools are stored or used

Position the metal detectors either directly inside these rooms or immediately in front of the doorways. This early detection system will alert your guards when inmates attempt to smuggle tools or other contraband into these sensitive areas, preventing theft before it happens.

Summary

Controlling contraband in Prison Architect requires a multi-faceted approach. By regularly using shakedowns and tunnel searches, hiring canine units for detection, and strategically placing metal detectors at key locations, you can maintain a secure and controlled prison environment. Remember to monitor your Intelligence panel regularly to track your progress and adjust your security measures as needed.

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