NCJ Number
191617
Journal
Prison Review International Issue: 1 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 72-75
Date Published
July 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the use of trace detectors in the effort to reduce the flow of illegal substances into prisons and narcotic abuse among inmates.
Abstract
The amount of smuggling, dealing, and use of illicit drugs in prisons is great. The drugs are introduced into prisons by visitors, through the mail, via supplies and suppliers, and by staff and inmates. Efforts to keep drugs out of prisons include the use of drug dogs, thoroughly searching new inmates, checking visitors and their possessions, and closely monitoring visitation rooms. The use of trace detectors in combination with other techniques can significantly reduce the flow of drugs into prisons. Trace detectors recognize even microscopic amounts of drugs on the hands of a person who handled drugs and on anything touched thereafter. Many trace detectors are designed to be stationary, need to be plugged in, and are ideal for use at a checkpoint. Hand-held detectors increase the flexibility of drug searches. Walk-through trace detection devices use air to dislodge the particles, use the body's heat as transportation, or come in contact with the person to collect the sample.