NCJ Number
228209
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 44-47
Date Published
August 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the introduction of low-dose backscatter X-ray technology personal security screening systems (commonly called "bodyscan") into prisons as a means of screening inmates for narcotics, metallic and nonmetallic weapons, plastic and liquid explosives, chemical and biological materials, and components of explosive devices.
Abstract
Although the body scan technology has been widely available throughout Europe and South Africa, where it was developed, it has only recently become available in the continental United States. The company marketing this technology claims it is a complete security screening portal. It is now undergoing testing and evaluation by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and several jails. The Federal Bureau of Prison's Office of Security Technology (OST) has been monitoring the development of the transmission X-ray body imaging systems for some time. The original Conpass system was evaluated more than 4 years ago. At that time, the price was $250,000, and the radiation exposure exceeded ANSI standards for personnel security screening devices. Currently, the price approaches $150,000, and the new SecurPass system meets ANSI standards as a "limited use" system designed for personnel security screening applications. The SecurPass system has an exposure tracking system that allows staff to enter the name and identification number of the subject scanned. Annual exposure limits are recorded and tracked automatically for each individual subjected to the screening. This meets one of the requirements for "limited use" classes of security scanners. OST plans to evaluate both stationary and handheld components of the system as a pilot project. As with all security technology being evaluated for deployment, there are correctional security, health services, and legal issues that must be resolved prior to implementation of a transmission X-ray scanning system. Initial deployment should target areas where the system would most likely be used, such as receiving and discharge.