The Tennessee Department of Correction has begun to initiate increased searches that seek to cut down on contraband being smuggled into state prisons. TDEC has created a new task force which includes nine state law enforcement agencies, such as the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Metro Nashville Police and the TBI. Agents with those organizations launched a surprise search on vehicles at detention facilities across the state. In the nearly 300 searches, officers recovered such items as cell phones and drug paraphernalia. Officials say in the future, such searches will take place inside prisons and in the community.