Lee County Jail Bans Toothbrushes

LEE COUNTY, FL -- One Florida jail has banned toothbrushes in an effort to cut down on handmade weapons, or "shivs".

Lee County deputies banned the handheld toothbrushes from jail cells because they can pose a safety concern.

Inmates can sharpen the edges of the handles of traditional toothbrushes and use them as knives.

Earlier this week deputies began swapping out regular toothbrushes for fingertip brushes.

"We're taking away the ability of an inmate to manufacture a possible weapon in a correctional setting," said Sergeant David Valez.

Deputies sweep cells everyday looking for contraband and say this is just the first step in reducing crime in jail.