@article {Kauffman357, author = {R M Kauffman and A K Ferketich and M E Wewers}, title = {Tobacco policy in American prisons, 2007}, volume = {17}, number = {5}, pages = {357--360}, year = {2008}, doi = {10.1136/tc.2007.024448}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group Ltd}, abstract = {Objective: To examine current tobacco policy in US prisons and explore changes in prison tobacco policies over time.Data source: Telephone survey of the 52 US departments of correction.Main outcome measures: Current tobacco policy; distribution of free tobacco; availability of smoking cessation programming and cessation aids.Participants: Complete responses were received from 51 of 52 (98\%) departments, while one provided partial information.Results: The majority of correctional systems (60\%) reported total tobacco bans on prison grounds, with most remaining facilities (27\%) having an indoor ban on tobacco use. No prisons distributed free tobacco. No major violence was reported relating to the implementation of stricter tobacco policies; however many respondents noted that tobacco became a major contraband item following the implementation of a total ban. While most prison systems with an indoor tobacco ban (86\%) reported having tobacco cessation programmes, few of those with total bans (39\%) continued such programmes after the initial transition period.Conclusion: Total tobacco bans have often been accompanied by the termination of tobacco cessation programmes. Such actions undermine efforts to promote long-term cessation resulting in a missed public health opportunity.}, issn = {0964-4563}, URL = {https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/17/5/357}, eprint = {https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/17/5/357.full.pdf}, journal = {Tobacco Control} }