Seminar Title
Online-Contraband Control in Jails and Detention Facilities
Dates of Events
11/04/2026 through 11/04/2026
Last Updated: 09/16/2026
Instructor(s): Matthew Downing
Course Registration Fee: $150
Instructor Bio
Matthew Downing
Major (Active) Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, SC
Matthew Downing began his career in 2002 with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, serving in detention operations before transitioning to patrol. During his tenure, he served as a SWAT team member and Detective, gaining extensive experience in detention operations, patrol, tactical response, and criminal investigations.
In 2017, he joined the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office as a Detective and was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant. After returning to patrol operations in 2023, he was promoted to Captain in 2024 and assigned as Operations Commander of the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.
He oversees the daily operations of a large detention facility housing more than 450 inmates and supervises approximately 100 detention deputies and civilian staff members. His responsibilities include detention operations, inmate safety and security, personnel management, emergency preparedness, and staff development. He is also an instructor with the agency, helping to guide and mold deputies on various topics.
He is a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA leadership program, earning the Trilogy Award, and the FBI Command College. Captain Downing holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice from Charleston Southern University and maintains active memberships in the South Carolina Jail Administrators Association and the American Jail Association.
Major (Active) Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, SC
Matthew Downing began his career in 2002 with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, serving in detention operations before transitioning to patrol. During his tenure, he served as a SWAT team member and Detective, gaining extensive experience in detention operations, patrol, tactical response, and criminal investigations.
In 2017, he joined the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office as a Detective and was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant. After returning to patrol operations in 2023, he was promoted to Captain in 2024 and assigned as Operations Commander of the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.
He oversees the daily operations of a large detention facility housing more than 450 inmates and supervises approximately 100 detention deputies and civilian staff members. His responsibilities include detention operations, inmate safety and security, personnel management, emergency preparedness, and staff development. He is also an instructor with the agency, helping to guide and mold deputies on various topics.
He is a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA leadership program, earning the Trilogy Award, and the FBI Command College. Captain Downing holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice from Charleston Southern University and maintains active memberships in the South Carolina Jail Administrators Association and the American Jail Association.
Course Objectives
Course Overview:
Date: November 4, 2026
Time: 1:00-2:30pm Eastern
Contraband represents one of the most persistent security threats facing correctional and detention facilities. Drugs, weapons, unauthorized communication devices, alcohol, tobacco, unauthorized medication, altered property, and other prohibited items can threaten the safety and security of inmates, staff, visitors, and the public.
The National Institute of Justice identifies contraband as including illegal items such as drugs and weapons as well as items prohibited within a particular correctional environment, such as cellular telephones. Contraband can contribute to violence, drug abuse, continued criminal activity, escape-related activity, and other security threats.
Modern contraband control must therefore extend beyond simply finding prohibited items after they enter the facility. Effective contraband control requires a comprehensive system of prevention, detection, interdiction, investigation, documentation, and follow-through.
Recent NIJ-sponsored research examining jails and prisons identified five major external entry points for contraband:
1. Incarcerated people entering or returning to the facility
2. Staff, volunteers, and facility personnel
3. Visitors
4. Letters and packages
5. Items introduced over the perimeter, including drone-delivered contraband
This course provides detention personnel with an understanding of the contraband threat, common points of introduction, staff responsibilities, search and detection principles, contraband-related intelligence, documentation, and the importance of maintaining a strong security culture.
Group Viewing Encouraged: Pay 1 Registration Fee
·Multiple attendees can group view the training from one device only and each attendee will receive a certificate.
·ONLY the registered attendee will receive a link to join the training (Link will be sent 1-2 Days Prior to the Event)
Quiz & Certificates: Within 24 hours after the live broadcast the registered attendee will receive an email with:
·Quiz link that will need to be forwarded to each person in your group so they may print a certificate after completing the quiz.
·30 Days Access of the Recording (this link may be shared with with others in your department only)
*** No Refunds After Class Link Has Been Sent*
Time: 1:00-2:30pm Eastern
Contraband represents one of the most persistent security threats facing correctional and detention facilities. Drugs, weapons, unauthorized communication devices, alcohol, tobacco, unauthorized medication, altered property, and other prohibited items can threaten the safety and security of inmates, staff, visitors, and the public.
The National Institute of Justice identifies contraband as including illegal items such as drugs and weapons as well as items prohibited within a particular correctional environment, such as cellular telephones. Contraband can contribute to violence, drug abuse, continued criminal activity, escape-related activity, and other security threats.
Modern contraband control must therefore extend beyond simply finding prohibited items after they enter the facility. Effective contraband control requires a comprehensive system of prevention, detection, interdiction, investigation, documentation, and follow-through.
Recent NIJ-sponsored research examining jails and prisons identified five major external entry points for contraband:
1. Incarcerated people entering or returning to the facility
2. Staff, volunteers, and facility personnel
3. Visitors
4. Letters and packages
5. Items introduced over the perimeter, including drone-delivered contraband
This course provides detention personnel with an understanding of the contraband threat, common points of introduction, staff responsibilities, search and detection principles, contraband-related intelligence, documentation, and the importance of maintaining a strong security culture.
Group Viewing Encouraged: Pay 1 Registration Fee
·Multiple attendees can group view the training from one device only and each attendee will receive a certificate.
·ONLY the registered attendee will receive a link to join the training (Link will be sent 1-2 Days Prior to the Event)
Quiz & Certificates: Within 24 hours after the live broadcast the registered attendee will receive an email with:
·Quiz link that will need to be forwarded to each person in your group so they may print a certificate after completing the quiz.
·30 Days Access of the Recording (this link may be shared with with others in your department only)
*** No Refunds After Class Link Has Been Sent*
